As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Tool Maker III in the United States is $70,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Tool Maker III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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 | $48,629 |
| Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker II | 1-3 years | $62,894 |
| Tool Maker III | 3-5 years | $70,504 |
| Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV | 5-7 years | $78,727 |
| Tool and Die Supervisor I | 7+ years | $83,059 |
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%
|
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 April 01, 2026For a Tool Maker III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Machine Shop Tool & Die Maker IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $78,800 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.
Salaries 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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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 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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