As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Tool Maker II in South Dakota is $57,190 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Tool Maker II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Tool Maker II'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Tool Maker II'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker I | 0-1 years | $44,186 |
| Tool Maker II | 1-3 years | $57,182 |
| Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker III | 3-5 years | $64,103 |
| Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV | 5-7 years | $71,584 |
| Tool and Die Supervisor I | 7+ years | $75,538 |
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 Maker IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Tool Maker II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $64,206. While startup companies pay approximate $54,270.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $54,270 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $57,406 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $61,995 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $64,206 |
For Tool Maker II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Tool Maker positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Tool Maker II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $68,628 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $65,768 | $32.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $64,053 | $31.0 | 12% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $62,909 | $30.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $61,765 | $30.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Tool Maker II'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 July 01, 2026For a Tool Maker II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $64,200 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Tool Maker II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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