Machinists and tool and die makers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Machinists and tool and die makers in the United States earn a median salary of $58,750 per year — about $28 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Roughly 355K people work in this occupation nationwide, with projected employment growth of -2%.
AI & Automation Risk
The role involves a significant physical component, including manual dexterity, machine setup, and material handling in a factory environment. However, AI and advanced automation are increasingly capable of optimizing CNC programming, interpreting CAD designs, and monitoring machine health, which increases worker productivity and reduces the demand for traditional tool and die making skills.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, ALBEST VALUE | $82,690 | Below avg (84.8) | $97,492 |
| Lake Charles, LA | $75,580 | Below avg (85.9) | $88,035 |
| Bismarck, ND | $74,090 | Below avg (91.0) | $81,396 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $77,650 | Average (98.4) | $78,952 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $69,440 | Below avg (88.8) | $78,226 |
| Grand Island, NE | $67,430 | Below avg (86.7) | $77,813 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $71,590 | Below avg (92.7) | $77,252 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $66,390 | Below avg (86.4) | $76,856 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $80,620 | Above avg (105.6) | $76,340 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $84,410 | Above avg (111.0) | $76,072 |
| Monroe, LA | $63,350 | Below avg (83.6) | $75,780 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $67,700 | Below avg (90.8) | $74,576 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $67,140 | Below avg (91.9) | $73,055 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $68,060 | Below avg (93.8) | $72,567 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $66,990 | Below avg (92.6) | $72,346 |