How much does a Tool and Die Maker make?
Tool and Die Makers create the tools that help make many of the items we use every day. These skilled professionals earn a good income. The average yearly salary for a Tool and Die Maker is around $62,236. This can be a very rewarding career choice. Here are more details about the salary you can expect at different stages of your career.
To understand how salaries grow, let's look at the different pay levels. The bottom 10% of Tool and Die Makers earn around $36,000 a year. As experience grows, so does the salary. The top 10% of Tool and Die Makers make over $96,000 each year. This data shows that with time and skill, Tool and Die Makers can earn very competitive wages.
What are the highest paying cities for a Tool and Die Maker?

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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $72,321
Portland offers a growing job market for skilled tradespeople. Companies like Raytheon Technologies are always on the lookout for talented individuals. The city’s emphasis on innovation and sustainability makes it a great place to build a rewarding career.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $71,729
Milwaukee has a strong manufacturing base, offering excellent opportunities for those in the trade. Companies such as Johnson Controls and Harley-Davidson seek skilled workers. The city’s rich history in manufacturing ensures a steady demand for experts in this field.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $69,045
Chicago's diverse economy provides a wealth of opportunities for tradespeople. Major employers like Boeing and Caterpillar create numerous job openings. The city’s vibrant job market and extensive transportation links make it a dynamic place to work.
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Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $68,761
Detroit, known as the Motor City, is a hub for automotive manufacturing. Companies such as General Motors and Ford depend on skilled tradespeople. The city’s commitment to automotive innovation offers a promising career path for those in the trade.
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Omaha, NE
Average Salary: $68,591
Omaha’s economy thrives on manufacturing and logistics. Union Pacific Railroad and Berkshire Hathaway provide many job opportunities. The city's focus on infrastructure and trade makes it an ideal place to find stable and rewarding work.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $67,341
Minneapolis boasts a strong job market for skilled tradespeople. Companies such as 3M and General Mills offer many openings. The city’s dedication to quality and innovation ensures a steady demand for qualified professionals.
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Lansing, MI
Average Salary: $66,659
Lansing's manufacturing sector provides numerous opportunities for those in the trade. Major employers like General Motors and Lear Corporation seek skilled workers. The city’s focus on automotive and manufacturing keeps the job market robust.
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Toledo, OH
Average Salary: $66,359
Toledo has a strong industrial base that offers many job opportunities. Companies such as Owens-Illinois and Dana Corporation are always looking for skilled tradespeople. The city’s commitment to manufacturing makes it a great place for a rewarding career.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $65,731
St. Louis offers a thriving job market for tradespeople. Companies like Boeing and Emerson Electric provide many opportunities. The city’s strong manufacturing sector ensures a steady demand for skilled workers.
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Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $65,730
Huntsville is known for its aerospace industry, offering many job opportunities. Companies such as NASA and Aerojet Rocketdyne seek skilled tradespeople. The city’s focus on technology and innovation creates a dynamic environment for professionals in the trade.
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What are the best companies a Tool and Die Maker can work for?

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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $135,130
Northrop Grumman offers Tool and Die Maker jobs with competitive salaries. These positions are available in various locations, including California and Virginia. Workers here play a key role in aerospace and defense manufacturing, ensuring precision in tool and die creations.
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Drive
Average Salary: $75,793
Drive provides Tool and Die Maker jobs with a decent salary. This company operates in locations such as Los Angeles and Chicago. Employees here focus on creating high-quality tools and dies for various industries.
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Boeing
Average Salary: $75,326
Boeing offers Tool and Die Maker jobs with a strong salary. This company has locations in Washington and Kansas. Job roles here include making molds and dies for aircraft production, ensuring high standards of quality and precision.
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Entegee
Average Salary: $72,634
Entegee provides Tool and Die Maker jobs with good pay. This company operates in locations such as Michigan and Ohio. Employees here work on creating precision tools and dies for a variety of manufacturing processes.
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North American Stamping Group
Average Salary: $72,430
North American Stamping Group offers Tool and Die Maker jobs with a solid salary. Locations include Illinois and Missouri. Workers here are essential in creating tools and dies for automotive and industrial applications.
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Aerotek
Average Salary: $72,059
Aerotek provides Tool and Die Maker jobs with a competitive salary. This company operates in several locations, including Texas and Pennsylvania. Job roles here involve designing and manufacturing tools and dies for various industries.
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Twin City Staffing
Average Salary: $70,800
Twin City Staffing offers Tool and Die Maker jobs with a good salary. This company has locations in Minnesota. Employees here create and maintain tools and dies for industrial and manufacturing settings.
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Snap-on
Average Salary: $69,365
Snap-on provides Tool and Die Maker jobs with a decent salary. This company operates in locations such as Wisconsin and North Carolina. Job roles here focus on making tools and dies for the automotive and industrial sectors.
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Howmet Aerospace
Average Salary: $68,624
Howmet Aerospace offers Tool and Die Maker jobs with a solid salary. This company has locations in Pennsylvania and South Carolina. Workers here create tools and dies for aerospace applications, ensuring precision and quality.
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Paramount Placement
Average Salary: $68,145
Paramount Placement provides Tool and Die Maker jobs with a competitive salary. This company operates in locations such as Florida and New York. Employees here work on creating tools and dies for various manufacturing processes.
How to earn more as a Tool and Die Maker?
Earning more as a Tool and Die Maker involves a mix of skill development, strategic choices, and proactive career management. Gaining expertise in specialized areas can lead to higher-paying opportunities. These areas might include CNC machining, robotics, or advanced materials. Mastery of these skills can make a Tool and Die Maker more valuable to potential employers.
Another factor to consider involves seeking out jobs in industries that are booming. Manufacturing sectors like aerospace, automotive, and technology often require skilled Tool and Die Makers. Working in these industries can lead to higher salaries. Networking with industry professionals and attending relevant trade shows can help connect with these opportunities. Continuous learning through certifications and training programs also opens up higher-paying roles. Employers value workers who stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies. Taking on leadership roles or specialized positions can lead to more significant earnings. These roles often require additional responsibilities and expertise, which employers are willing to pay for.
Consider these factors to enhance earning potential:
- Specialized skill development
- Working in high-demand industries
- Networking and attending industry events
- Continuous learning and certifications
- Taking on leadership or specialized roles



