Tool and Die Makers salary in Kentucky
Tool and Die Makers in Kentucky earn a median of $66,570 a year ($32.00 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,900 workers.
Pay ranges from $46,570 for the lowest-paid 10% to $90,150 for the top 10%. That is 4% higher than the national median of $64,050. Kentucky ranks 17th of 45 states for tool and die makers pay. There are 0.95 tool and die makers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.6× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $67,520, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for tool and die makers in Kentucky
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,570 | $22.39 |
| 25th percentile | $53,830 | $25.88 |
| Median | $66,570 | $32.00 |
| 75th percentile | $81,000 | $38.94 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $90,150 | $43.34 |
| Average (mean) | $67,520 | $32.46 |
Half of tool and die makers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,547.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,773.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,560.38 |
| Weekly | $1,280.19 |
| Hourly | $32.00 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Tool and Die Makers salary in cities in Kentucky
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $83,510 | 290 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $75,250 | 610 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $69,790 | 180 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $64,270 | 680 |
| Owensboro, KY | $63,720 | 80 |
Highest-paying states for tool and die makers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $109,390 |
| Kansas | $83,890 |
| Maine | $79,910 |
| Connecticut | $77,540 |
| California | $77,030 |
| New Jersey | $74,460 |
| Oregon | $73,930 |
| North Dakota | $73,130 |
| Minnesota | $71,020 |
| New Hampshire | $69,910 |
Related jobs in Kentucky
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-4111. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a tool and die makers make in Kentucky?
The median salary for tool and die makers in Kentucky is $66,570 a year, or $32.00 an hour. Pay ranges from $46,570 for the lowest-paid 10% to $90,150 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid tool and die makers make in Kentucky?
The top 10% of tool and die makers in Kentucky earn at least $90,150 a year. The top 25% earn $81,000 or more.
What is the starting pay for tool and die makers in Kentucky?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $46,570 a year, and a quarter of tool and die makers earn $53,830 or less.
How many tool and die makers work in Kentucky?
About 1,900 tool and die makers are employed in Kentucky, not counting the self-employed.