As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Tooling Engineer in the United States is $106,140 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Tooling Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Tooling Engineer'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'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 Desi... Level Tooling Engineer | $79,006 |
| Tool Desi... Level Tooling Engineer | $92,676 |
| Tooling E... Level Tooling Engineer | $105,535 |
| Tool Desi... Level Tooling Engineer | $127,964 |
| Tool Desi... Level Tooling Engineer | $150,868 |
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 Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.61% |
| Architectural Drawing | 3.09% |
| Work Ethic | 2.06% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Customer Communications
|
$114,631 |
8%
|
|
Strategic Planning
|
$114,631 |
8%
|
|
Business Ethics
|
$112,508 |
6%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$110,386 |
4%
|
|
Logistics
|
$109,324 |
3%
|
|
Organizing
|
$109,324 |
3%
|
For Tooling Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Tooling Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Tooling Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $137,982 | $66.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $132,675 | $64.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $127,368 | $61.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $127,368 | $61.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $122,061 | $59.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Tooling Engineers 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 with a Associate's Degree is between $105,182 and $112,527).
Tooling Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 7.7% |
| High School | 23.1% |
| Associates | 30.8% |
| Bachelors | 30.8% |
| Masters | 7.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Tooling Engineer'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 Tooling Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $107,720 in 2023 to around $103,122 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Tooling Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $107,720 |
| 2024 | $105,100 |
| 2025 | $103,122 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Tooling Engineer 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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