How Much Does a Tooling Engineer Make? (2025)
A tooling engineer designs, develops, and maintains tools, dies, molds, and fixtures essential for manufacturing processes. They work with engineering and manufacturing teams to optimize production efficiency, improve product quality, and troubleshoot tooling issues. They also create detailed blueprints and prototypes, conduct quality checks, and implement cost-effective tooling solutions to support smooth manufacturing operations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for tooling engineers, together with industrial engineers, is expected to grow by 11% over the next decade from 2024 to 2034. Salary.com reports that the average yearly salary for tooling engineers in the US is $77,390 for 2025.
Learn more about the salary trend for tooling engineers and top-paying cities in the US, as well as some FAQs about the occupation.
What is the Average Tooling Engineer's Salary?
As mentioned above, the average annual salary for tooling engineers in the United States is $77,390 in 2025. As of October 3, 2025, the salary range for tooling engineers in the US is between $66,118 and $89,617, with most earning $71,490 to $83,790 per year.
2025 Average Salary for Tooling Engineers: $77,390 per year ($37 per hour)
A tooling engineer's average monthly salary is $6,449, while the average weekly pay is $1,488. Meanwhile, the salary of a tooling engineer per hour is $37 according to the report.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $32 | $1,272 | $5,510 | $66,118 |
| 25th Percentile | $34 | $1,375 | $5,958 | $71,490 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $37 | $1,488 | $6,449 | $77,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $40 | $1,611 | $6,983 | $83,790 |
| 90th Percentile | $43 | $1,723 | $7,468 | $89,617 |
Tooling Engineer Salaries State by State
Tooling engineer salaries may vary across US states depending on key factors such as state minimum wage, occupation demand, location, and standards of living.
As shown in the table below, the three (3) states with the lowest average annual salary for tooling engineers in the United States are Mississippi, West Virginia, and South Dakota with $68,990, $69,690, and $70,290 respectively.
Meanwhile, the three (3) states with the highest average annual salary for tooling engineers are the District of Columbia, California, and New Jersey with $85,590, $85,290, and $83,790, respectively.
| States | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $83,690 |
| Alabama | $71,090 |
| Arkansas | $69,890 |
| Arizona | $75,390 |
| California | $85,290 |
| Colorado | $78,890 |
| Connecticut | $82,690 |
| District of Columbia | $85,590 |
| Delaware | $78,290 |
| Florida | $73,190 |
| Georgia | $74,590 |
| Hawaii | $80,890 |
| Iowa | $73,990 |
| Idaho | $72,190 |
| Illinois | $78,890 |
| Indiana | $74,290 |
| Kansas | $73,690 |
| Kentucky | $72,790 |
| Louisiana | $73,590 |
| Massachusetts | $84,190 |
| Maryland | $79,790 |
| Maine | $75,390 |
| Michigan | $76,190 |
| Minnesota | $79,190 |
| Missouri | $73,490 |
| Mississippi | $68,990 |
| Montana | $72,990 |
| North Carolina | $73,490 |
| North Dakota | $76,390 |
| Nebraska | $72,890 |
| New Hampshire | $78,190 |
| New Jersey | $83,790 |
| New Mexico | $71,690 |
| Nevada | $76,590 |
| New York | $82,190 |
| Ohio | $75,290 |
| Oklahoma | $71,490 |
| Oregon | $78,590 |
| Pennsylvania | $76,990 |
| Rhode Island | $80,190 |
| South Carolina | $72,490 |
| South Dakota | $70,290 |
| Tennessee | $72,290 |
| Texas | $75,490 |
| Utah | $74,090 |
| Virginia | $77,890 |
| Vermont | $75,890 |
| Washington | $83,890 |
| Wisconsin | $76,090 |
| West Virginia | $69,690 |
| Wyoming | $74,190 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Tooling Engineers?
Tooling engineer salaries also vary by city due to the differences in standard of living, local demand for the occupation, and industry rates in metropolitan areas.
The table below shows that the labor industry in California is offering higher average annual salaries for tooling engineers, specifically in cities like San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland. Certain cities such as New York, Queens Village, and Paramus, also show signs of increased demand for tooling engineer occupations:
| Cities | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $97,590 ($47 per hour) |
| San Francisco, California | $96,590 ($46 per hour) |
| Oakland, California | $94,490 ($45 per hour) |
| New York, New York | $89,590 ($43 per hour) |
| Queens Village, New York | $89,090 ($43 per hour) |
| Paramus, New Jersey | $88,390 ($42 per hour) |
How Does Experience Affect Tooling Engineer Salaries?
Having more experience gives tooling engineers an edge over their peers and plays an important role in increasing their salary.
Salary.com reports that entry-level tooling engineers earn an average annual income of $76,950. Having 2 more years of experience can increase a tooling engineer's salary to $77,578.
After 2 to 4 years of experience, the salary for tooling engineers could increase to about $78,989. Specialist and expert-level tooling engineers can earn up to $79,271 and $79,459, respectively.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Tooling Engineer | $76,950 |
| Intermediate Level Tooling Engineer | $77,578 |
| Senior Level Tooling Engineer | $78,989 |
| Specialist Level Tooling Engineer | $79,271 |
| Expert Level Tooling Engineer | $79,459 |
How to Increase Salary as a Tooling Engineer?
Tooling engineers typically hold a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a closely related field, with strong skills in CAD design, manufacturing processes, and automation. To increase their salary, tooling engineers can focus on the following career advancements and skill developments:
Tooling Engineer Advancements:
- Licenses and Certifications: Earning certifications such as Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE), Certified Tooling Engineer (CTE), or Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt enhances expertise and marketability.
- Professional Growth: Gaining experience in advanced manufacturing technologies, process optimization, and project management allows tooling engineers to move into senior engineering roles, management, or specialized positions in automation and robotics. Leadership roles in manufacturing firms or OEMs often come with higher pay.
- Additional Skills: Expanding knowledge in areas like CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD), CNC programming, additive manufacturing, and quality control methodologies increases job prospects and salary potential. Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies and data analytics is increasingly valuable.
- Salary and Outlook: Median salaries for tooling engineers typically range from about $66,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. With advanced skills and leadership roles, salaries can exceed this range significantly. Employment growth is steady due to the ongoing need for tooling expertise in manufacturing and product development.
Tooling engineer Skills:
Gaining sought-after skills for a tooling engineer is an effective way to earn a higher salary and unlock more career opportunities. The Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report indicates that the most in-demand skills for tooling engineers are production tools and mechanical systems skills, both with 10.90%.
Also, essential skills such as failure analysis and root cause analysis can increase the salary for tooling engineers by 8.71% and 7.71%, respectively.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Analysis | 10.50% | +8.71% |
| Root Cause Analysis | 10.50% | +7.71% |
| Cost Estimation | 10.60% | +7.38% |
| 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) | 10.40% | +7.21% |
| Geometric Designing and Tolerancing (GD&T) | 10.80% | +7.15% |
| Rapid Prototyping | 10.90% | +7.03% |
What are the FAQs About Tooling Engineer Salaries?
Here are some common questions about the tooling engineer salary:
What does a tooling engineer do?
A tooling engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining tools, dies, molds, and fixtures used in manufacturing processes to optimize production efficiency and product quality. They work closely with manufacturing teams and engineers to ensure the tooling meets technical specifications and supports smooth manufacturing operations:
- Design, develop, and troubleshoot tooling, fixtures, and processes to improve manufacturing efficiency and quality.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers to ensure tooling integrates well into production and meets specifications.
- Create and maintain detailed documentation, blueprints, and CNC programs for tooling and fixtures.
- Conduct quality control inspections, tooling trials, and implement preventative maintenance programs.
- Analyze data to identify improvement opportunities, reduce costs, and optimize tooling performance.
What educational background or degree is needed to become a tooling engineer?
To become a tooling engineer, a bachelor's degree in engineering, such as mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering, is typically required. Some may also pursue a diploma or associate degree in tool engineering, but a bachelor's degree is preferred by most employers. Advanced degrees like a master's may enhance career prospects and are sometimes sought after.
How long does it take to become a tooling engineer?
It typically takes about 2 to 4 years after completing a relevant bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field to become job ready as a tooling engineer. This includes gaining proficiency in necessary design software and manufacturing processes, as well as practical experience through internships or apprenticeships.
