Tool and Die Makers Salary in North Carolina (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Tool and Die Makers in North Carolina, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Carolina Median
$61,060
per year
Hourly Rate
$29.36
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-5% vs US median
US median $64,050
State Rank
#31 of 45
1,580 employed here

How much do Tool and Die Makers make in North Carolina?

Tool and Die Makers in North Carolina take home a median of $61,060 annually — roughly $29.36 an hour — which runs 5% below the national median of $64,050.

Within North Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $43,770 while the top 10% make $79,180 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $49,610 and $70,510 a year.

Tool and Die Makers salary range in North Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$43,770$21.04
25th percentile (early career)$49,610$23.85
50th percentile (median)$61,060$29.36
75th percentile (experienced)$70,510$33.90
90th percentile (top earners)$79,180$38.07

How North Carolina compares

North Carolina ranks 31st out of 45 states and territories for Tool and Die Makers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Washington$109,390
2Kansas$83,890
3Maine$79,910
4Connecticut$77,540
5California$77,030

Working as Tool and Die Makers in North Carolina

Nationally, about 57,000 people work as Tool and Die Makers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare North Carolina pay ($61,060) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Tool and Die Makers make in North Carolina?
The median Tool and Die Makers salary in North Carolina is $61,060 per year, or about $29.36 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $43,770 at the entry level to $79,180 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Carolina pay compare to the national average?
North Carolina pays Tool and Die Makers about 5% less than the national median of $64,050. North Carolina ranks 31st out of 45 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Carolina a good state for Tool and Die Makers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $61,060 a year. About 1,580 Tool and Die Makers are employed in North Carolina. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in North Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in North Carolina include Surgeon, All Other ($398,410), Dermatologist ($367,350), Emergency Medicine Physician ($339,350), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Tool and Die Makers salary report

Related salaries

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

$50,060
median pay · 6,000 employed

Printing Press Operator

$45,780
median pay · 144,000 employed

Slaughterers and Meat Packers

$40,130
median pay · 70,000 employed

Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other

$45,950
median pay · 16,000 employed

Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters

$62,620
median pay · specialist role
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.