Tool and Die Makers vs. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators: Who Earns More?
Tool and Die Makers out-earn Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators by $19K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Tool and Die Makers land at $64,050 and Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators at $44,650. The education gap is real: tool and die maker programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while miscellaneous assemblers and fabricator programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Tool and Die Makers is Washington ($109,390); for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators it's District of Columbia ($50,330).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Tool and Die Makers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Tool and Die Makers or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Tool and Die Makers earn more nationally. The median is $64,050 for Tool and Die Makers versus $44,650 for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators, a difference of $19K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Tool and Die Makers or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators has the better 10-year outlook at -0.1% projected growth, compared to -10.8% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Tool and Die Makers or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Tool and Die Makers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Tool and Die Makers get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Tool and Die Makers at $109,390/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Tool and Die Makers vs. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Tool and Die Makers earn $109,390 vs. $48,260 for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.