As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Tool Maker III in the United States is $34, which translates to an annual salary of about $70,590.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Tool 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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker I | 0-1 years | $48,617 |
| Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker II | 1-3 years | $62,929 |
| Tool Maker III | 3-5 years | $70,547 |
| Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV | 5-7 years | $78,782 |
| Tool and Die Supervisor I | 7+ years | $83,138 |
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 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
|
$75,531 |
7%
|
|
AutoCAD
|
$72,708 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$72,708 |
3%
|
|
Initiative
|
$72,002 |
2%
|
|
Repairing
|
$72,002 |
2%
|
|
ISO
|
$72,002 |
2%
|
Tool Maker III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $79,404. While startup companies pay approximate $67,132.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $67,132 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $71,010 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $76,668 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $79,404 |
For Tool Maker III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Tool Maker positions in Retail & Wholesale or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Tool Maker III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $91,767 | $44.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $84,708 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $81,178 | $39.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $77,649 | $37.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $74,120 | $36.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Tool 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 Maker III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $66,653 and $71,387).
Tool 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 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Tool 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 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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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Tool Maker III roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Tool Makers in the US earn between $63,990 and $80,390 annually. The average salary is approximately $72,590, reflecting the midpoint of this range. These figures provide a clear overview of the earning potential for Tool Makers based on current salary data.
As of now, the salary for a Tool Maker in the United States ranges from $63,990 to $80,390 annually, with a median salary of $72,590. This translates to approximately $30.77 to $38.65 per hour, or $1,230 to $1,546 per week.
The salary for a Toolmaker ranges from a minimum of £63,990 to a maximum of £80,390, with a mid-range salary of £72,590. This indicates that Toolmakers can earn significantly more than the average salary of £32,144, with many positions offering competitive pay across various locations and industries.
The highest salary for a Tool Maker is $80,390. The salary range for this position typically starts at a minimum of $63,990, with a mid-level salary of $72,590. This reflects the competitive compensation in the industry for skilled professionals.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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