Tool & Die Maker Salary by State (2026)
Median annual pay for tool and die makers in all 45 reporting states, from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2025) data. Roughly 56,900 tool and die makers are employed across these states — the highest median pay is $109,390 in Washington, and the typical state median is about $64,050.
Top-Paying States
Full Table: All States
| # | State | Median Annual Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $109,390 | 1,510 |
| 2 | Kansas | $83,890 | 660 |
| 3 | Maine | $79,910 | 80 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $77,540 | 1,880 |
| 5 | California | $77,030 | 1,790 |
| 6 | New Jersey | $74,460 | 540 |
| 7 | Oregon | $73,930 | 300 |
| 8 | North Dakota | $73,130 | 70 |
| 9 | Minnesota | $71,020 | 1,150 |
| 10 | New Hampshire | $69,910 | 250 |
| 11 | Vermont | $69,300 | 140 |
| 12 | Nebraska | $69,150 | 360 |
| 13 | Wisconsin | $68,120 | 2,450 |
| 14 | New York | $68,080 | 1,270 |
| 15 | Indiana | $68,050 | 4,090 |
| 16 | Massachusetts | $67,230 | 850 |
| 17 | Kentucky | $66,570 | 1,900 |
| 18 | Oklahoma | $65,870 | 330 |
| 19 | Michigan | $65,590 | 9,420 |
| 20 | South Carolina | $65,250 | 870 |
| 21 | Iowa | $65,000 | 760 |
| 22 | Alabama | $64,800 | 690 |
| 23 | Virginia | $64,050 | 390 |
| 24 | Florida | $63,890 | 440 |
| 25 | Colorado | $63,800 | 160 |
| 26 | Rhode Island | $63,430 | 260 |
| 27 | Ohio | $62,280 | 5,520 |
| 28 | Nevada | $61,350 | 220 |
| 29 | Illinois | $61,170 | 5,220 |
| 30 | Pennsylvania | $61,160 | 3,380 |
| 31 | North Carolina | $61,060 | 1,580 |
| 32 | Missouri | $60,810 | 1,280 |
| 33 | Tennessee | $60,760 | 2,930 |
| 34 | Georgia | $60,020 | 850 |
| 35 | South Dakota | $59,770 | 60 |
| 36 | Arizona | $59,140 | 310 |
| 37 | Maryland | $58,110 | 70 |
| 38 | Mississippi | $57,980 | 300 |
| 39 | Idaho | $57,800 | 50 |
| 40 | Arkansas | $56,840 | 290 |
| 41 | Utah | $56,740 | 270 |
| 42 | Texas | $55,470 | 1,710 |
| 43 | New Mexico | $47,960 | 40 |
| 44 | Louisiana | $46,950 | 170 |
| 45 | West Virginia | $46,190 | 40 |
| — | Alaska | — | — |
| — | Delaware | — | — |
| — | District of Columbia | — | — |
| — | Hawaii | — | — |
| — | Montana | — | — |
| — | Wyoming | — | — |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 state estimates. "—" means BLS did not publish an estimate for that state. Wages are medians — half of workers earn more. Click a column header to sort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do tool and die makers earn more in some states than others?
Tool and die pay follows manufacturing concentration. States with automotive, aerospace, medical device, and plastics molding work have the deepest demand and the highest rates. Because so much of the work is one-off and the workforce is aging out, shops in areas with few remaining toolrooms often pay above what the state median suggests.
Is this what a beginner tool & die maker makes?
No — these are median wages across all experience levels, so half of tool and die makers earn more and half earn less. Apprentices and entry-level workers typically start around 40–60% of the experienced rate, with scheduled raises as they complete training. Within a few years, most reach or pass the figures in this table.
Do tool and die makers need a college degree?
No. Most tool and die makers train through paid apprenticeships or short certificate programs and earn while they learn — no four-year degree or student debt required. See our guide on how to become an apprentice.
Next Steps
Pay is only half the picture — training path, licensing, and demand matter just as much. Start here:
Full Tool & Die Maker Career Guide → Compare All 31 Trades → How to Become an Apprentice