Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager make in the United States?

As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager in the United States is $153,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $74.

However, a Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $167,519
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $146,200 to $160,600
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $140,009
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View as table View as graph 25% $146,200 10% $140,009 90% $167,519 75% $160,600 $153,000 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $160,600 $13,383 $3,088 $77
Average $153,000 $12,750 $2,942 $74
25th Percentile $146,200 $12,183 $2,812 $70
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Key Factors That Influence Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager Salaries

A Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager'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 Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager'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:

  • Intermediate Tool Design Engineer (2-4 years): $90,697
  • Senior Tool Design Engineer (4-7 years): $103,285
  • Specialist Tool Design Engineer (7+ years): $125,210
  • Expert Tool Design Engineer (7-10 years): $147,670
  • Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager (10+ years): $152,963
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Intermediate Tool Design Engineer2-4 years$90,697
Senior Tool Design Engineer4-7 years$103,285
Specialist Tool Design Engineer7+ years$125,210
Expert Tool Design Engineer7-10 years$147,670
Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager10+ years$152,963
$90,697 Intermedi...
$103,285 Senior To...
$125,210 Specialis...
$147,670 Expert To...
$152,963 Tool Spec...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Specifications/Design Engineering Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $169,400.
  • California: $168,800.
  • Massachusetts: $166,500.

Top Paying Cities for Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Managers

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: $193,000
  • San Francisco: $191,100
  • Oakland: $186,800

How Education impacts a Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Managers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Specifications/Design Engineering Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $161,966 and $173,539).

Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 40.0%
High School 20.0%
Associates 40.0%
Bachelors 20.0%
Masters 40.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager'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 February 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager

Salaries for a Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $153,524 in 2023 to around $148,916 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$153,524
2024
$152,799
2025
$148,916
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $153,524
2024 $152,799
2025 $148,916
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager

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FAQ about Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager

1. What degree do you need to be a tooling engineer?

To become a tooling engineer, a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field is essential. The role involves designing new parts and refining existing tooling. Ideal candidates should have professional experience in manufacturing and design, along with strong problem-solving and math skills. The salary for this position ranges from $153,000 to $200,200, with a midpoint of $171,400.

2. What is the highest salary for a design manager?

The highest salary for a Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager is $200,200 per year. The salary range typically starts at $153,000, with a mid-level salary of $171,400. This reflects the competitive compensation for this role in the industry.

3. What type of manager pays the most?

The Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager role offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $153,000, a mid-range of $171,400, and a maximum of $200,200. This positions it among the top-paying jobs in business management, surpassing many other managerial roles such as Administrative Service Manager and Project Manager.

4. What is the highest paying engineering manager's salary?

The highest paying engineering manager's salary is for the Software Engineering Manager, which is approximately $194,000. However, the salary data for a Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager shows a minimum salary of $153,000, a mid-range salary of $171,400, and a maximum salary of $200,200, indicating competitive compensation in this field.

5. What is the highest salary for a software engineer manager?

The highest salary for a Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager is $200,200. The salary range typically starts at a minimum of $153,000, with a mid-level salary around $171,400. This reflects the competitive compensation for roles in engineering management.

6. What is the difference between a design manager and a project manager?

In summary, project management focuses on the overall execution of a project, ensuring timelines and budgets are met, while design management emphasizes the creative and strategic aspects of the design process. The salary for a Tool Specifications/Design Engineering Manager ranges from $153,000 to $200,200, with a midpoint of $171,400, reflecting the importance of both roles in successful project outcomes.

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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