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Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV Salary in the United States

How much does a Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV in the United States is $78,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

However, a Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $91,891
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $72,800 to $85,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $67,246

Key Factors That Influence Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV Salaries

A Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker II (1-3 years): $62,946
  • Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker III (3-5 years): $70,568
  • Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV (5-7 years): $78,810
  • Tool and Die Supervisor I (7+ years): $83,700
  • Tool and Die Supervisor II (7+ years): $89,852
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker II1-3 years$62,946
Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker III3-5 years$70,568
Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV5-7 years$78,810
Tool and Die Supervisor I7+ years$83,700
Tool and Die Supervisor II7+ years$89,852

Top Paying Cities for Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IVs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $99,500
  • San Francisco: $98,400
  • Oakland: $96,300

What Skills Can Increase a Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 5.56% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • Repairing (Mentioned in 3.53% Job Postings): To put something that is damaged, broken, or not working correctly, back into good condition or make it work again.
  • Machine Controls (Mentioned in 1.79% Job Postings): Machine Control is the use of positioning tools and a display to provide a construction machinery operator with a reference between the position of the bucket or blade and the target grade.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 5.56%
Repairing 3.53%
Machine Controls 1.79%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV's salary.

  • Process Improvement: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Continuous Improvement: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Flexibility: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Process Improvement $89,157
13%
Continuous Improvement $86,790
10%
Flexibility $86,001
9%

Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $88,490. While startup companies pay approximate $74,886.

Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $74,886
Growth Stage 51~500 $79,192
Established 501~5000 $85,433
Enterprise 5000+ $88,490

Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 58% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$106,515$51.035%
Software & Networking$98,625$47.025%
Insurance$93,102$45.018%
Energy & Utilities$89,946$43.014%
Aerospace & Defense$88,368$42.012%

How Education impacts a Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IVs enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $75,925 and $81,601).

Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 60.0%
High School 60.0%
Associates 37.1%
Bachelors 1.4%
Masters 1.4%
Doctorate 0.0%

Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$72,800
Average $78,900/year
$85,700
$6,067
Average $6,575/month
$7,142
$1,400
Average $1,517/week
$1,648
$35
Average $38/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $85,700 $7,142 $1,648 $41
Average $78,900 $6,575 $1,517 $38
25th Percentile $72,800 $6,067 $1,400 $35

Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Tool and Die Supervisor I role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $83,700 - a projected growth of 6% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV

Here are companies hiring for Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.

2. Are tool and die makers in demand?

Yes, tool and die makers are in demand due to the growing manufacturing sector. Their skills are essential for producing precision tools and components. The salary range for this profession typically falls between $72,600 and $92,300, with a median salary of around $82,900, reflecting the value and expertise required in this field.

3. What is the highest paying machining job?

The highest paying machining job is that of a Tool & Die Maker in a machine shop. The salary range for this position typically starts at $72,600, with a mid-level salary of $82,900, and can go up to a maximum of $92,300. This role requires specialized skills in creating and maintaining tools and dies used in manufacturing processes.

4. How long does it take to become a tool and die maker?

Becoming a tool and die maker typically requires long-term, on-the-job training lasting at least 1 year. Trainees usually work 40 hours per week while also attending evening technical classes. In terms of salary, tool and die makers can expect to earn between $72,600 and $92,300 annually, with a median salary of around $82,900.

5. What is the highest salary in tool and die?

The highest salary for a Tool & Die Maker is $92,300 per year. Salary estimates indicate a range from a minimum of $72,600 to a maximum of $92,300, with a mid-level salary of $82,900. These figures reflect the compensation for skilled professionals in the field.

6. Is toolmaker a good career?

A toolmaker is a professional who specializes in producing tools, often using advanced manufacturing equipment. This career offers competitive pay, with salaries ranging from $72,600 to $92,300, along with opportunities to contribute to innovations in construction and manufacturing. Overall, it can be a rewarding and stable career choice.

7. What is the highest paying machining job?

One of the highest paying machining jobs is a Tool & Die Maker, with a salary range of $72,600 to $92,300 per year. This role requires advanced skills in precision machining and tool design, making it a lucrative option in the machining industry. Other high-paying positions include Machine Shop Supervisor and Precision Machinist, but the Tool & Die Maker stands out for its earning potential.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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