As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Tool and Die Maker III in the United States is $70,515 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Tool and Die Maker III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Tool and Die Maker III'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Tool and Die Maker III'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Tool and Die Maker I | 0-1 years | $48,620 |
| Tool and Die Maker II | 1-3 years | $62,903 |
| Tool and Die Maker III | 3-5 years | $70,515 |
| Tool and Die Maker IV | 5-7 years | $78,741 |
| Tool, Die, and Gauge Making Supervisor I | 7+ years | $83,079 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Tool and Die Maker IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 6.38% |
| CAD | 3.1% |
| Production Support | 1.96% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Prioritization
|
$75,451 |
7%
|
|
AutoCAD
|
$72,630 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$72,630 |
3%
|
|
Initiative
|
$71,925 |
2%
|
|
Repairing
|
$71,925 |
2%
|
|
ISO
|
$71,925 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Tool and Die Maker IIIs 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 Tool and Die Maker III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $67,781 and $72,543).
Tool and Die Maker III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 50.0% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Associates | 28.6% |
| Bachelors | 21.4% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Tool and Die Maker III'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 May 01, 2026For a Tool and Die Maker III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Tool and Die Maker IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $78,741 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.
Salaries for a Tool and Die Maker III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $53,285 in 2023 to around $52,493 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Tool and Die Maker III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $53,285 |
| 2024 | $53,085 |
| 2025 | $52,493 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Tool and Die Maker III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Tool and Die Maker III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Tool and Die Maker III is $88,941.
The highest pay for Tool and Die Maker III is $79,672.
The lowest pay for Tool and Die Maker III is $56,175.
Builds and repairs custom machine shop tools using machining equipment and measuring instruments. Utilizes blueprints, sketches, and computer-aided design models to create or modify prototypes, tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and molds. Analyzes project requirements and specifications to select the optimal machines, tools, and methods for production and documents processes and sequence of operations for future reference. Calculates the dimensions and tolerances required to set up the machine tools. Operates lathes, grinders, milling, and boring machines to produce tools. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
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.)
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