As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Tool Maker in the United States is $72,124 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Tool Maker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Tool Maker'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'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Tool and ... Level Tool Maker | $49,453 |
| Tool and ... Level Tool Maker | $64,011 |
| Tool Make... Level Tool Maker | $71,760 |
| Tool and ... Level Tool Maker | $80,137 |
| Tool, Die... Level Tool Maker | $84,568 |
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 Makers. 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
|
$77,173 |
7%
|
|
AutoCAD
|
$74,288 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$74,288 |
3%
|
|
Initiative
|
$73,567 |
2%
|
|
Repairing
|
$73,567 |
2%
|
|
ISO
|
$73,567 |
2%
|
For Tool Maker 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 as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $93,761 | $45.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $86,549 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $82,943 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $79,337 | $38.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $75,730 | $36.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Tool Makers 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 with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $67,781 and $72,543).
Tool Maker 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'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 can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,202 in 2023 to around $53,395 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Tool Maker salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $54,202 |
| 2024 | $53,998 |
| 2025 | $53,395 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Tool Maker roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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