As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Tooling Engineer I in the United States is $77,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Tooling Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Tooling Engineer I'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 Tooling Engineer I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tooling Engineer I | 0-2 years | $77,311 |
| Intermediate Tool Design Engineer | 2-4 years | $90,694 |
| Senior Tool Design Engineer | 4-7 years | $103,281 |
| Specialist Tool Design Engineer | 7+ years | $125,214 |
| Expert Tool Design Engineer | 7-10 years | $147,658 |
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 Tooling Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.13% |
| AutoCAD | 2.33% |
| Billing | 2.18% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Presentation
|
$87,451 |
13%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$86,677 |
12%
|
|
Networking
|
$85,129 |
10%
|
|
Initiative
|
$83,581 |
8%
|
|
RFP
|
$83,581 |
8%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$82,807 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Tooling Engineer Is enter the field with a Associate'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 Tooling Engineer I with a Associate's Degree is between $72,038 and $77,509).
Tooling Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 11.1% |
| High School | 11.1% |
| Associates | 27.8% |
| Bachelors | 50.0% |
| Masters | 11.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Tooling Engineer I'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 Tooling Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Intermediate Tool Design Engineer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $90,700 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Salaries for a Tooling Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $70,043 in 2023 to around $70,134 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Tooling Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $70,043 |
| 2024 | $70,399 |
| 2025 | $70,134 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Can a tooling engineer make $500,000? While it's possible for some engineers to reach high compensation levels, the typical salary range for a tooling engineer is between $69,190 and $83,690. Most will not achieve the $500,000 mark, as it is significantly above the industry standard.
Aerospace tooling encompasses the equipment, tools, jigs, fixtures, and molds essential for fabricating and assembling aircraft and spacecraft components. Tooling Engineers in this field typically earn between $69,190 and $83,690, with a median salary of $78,690, reflecting the specialized skills required for this critical role in aerospace manufacturing.
The salary for a Tooling Engineer in the US ranges from $69,190 to $83,690, with a mid-point salary of $78,690. This data reflects the compensation for this role and may vary based on experience and location.
Tooling refers to the process of designing, creating, and utilizing tools and equipment to facilitate manufacturing, assembly, or production tasks. This skill encompasses knowledge of various tool types, their applications, and the methods used to optimize production efficiency. Tooling Engineers typically earn between $69,190 and $83,690, with a median salary of $78,690.
A Boeing Tooling Engineer typically earns between $69,190 and $83,690 annually, with a median salary around $78,690. This data reflects the salary range based on recent industry insights and may vary based on experience and location.
While various engineering fields offer lucrative salaries, Tooling Engineers have a salary range that reflects their expertise. The minimum salary is $69,190, the mid-salary is $78,690, and the maximum salary reaches $83,690. Although not the highest-paying, Tooling Engineers play a crucial role in manufacturing and design processes.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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