How much does an Apprentice Tool Maker make in Illinois? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Apprentice Tool Maker in Illinois is $67,073 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

However, an Apprentice Tool Maker's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $77,042
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $60,794 to $72,291
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $55,077

Key Factors That Influence Apprentice Tool Maker Salaries

An Apprentice Tool Maker's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Apprentice Tool Maker Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Apprentice Tool Maker's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $50,968
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $65,986
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $73,976
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $82,614
  • Expert (over 8 years): $87,742
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Tool and Die Maker I less than 1 year $50,968
Apprentice Tool Maker 1-2 years $65,986
Tool and Die Maker III 2-4 years $73,976
Tool and Die Maker IV 5-8 years $82,614
Tool, Die, and Gauge Making Supervisor I over 8 years $87,742

Top Paying Cities for Apprentice Tool Maker

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Effingham: $61,828
  • Saint Peter: $61,743
  • Salem: $61,978

Apprentice Tool Maker Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Apprentice Tool Maker roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Apprentice Tool Maker positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Apprentice Tool Maker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Apprentice Tool Maker

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $80,488 $39.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $77,134 $37.0 15%
Software & Networking $75,122 $36.0 12%
Aerospace & Defense $73,781 $35.0 10%
Energy & Utilities $72,439 $35.0 8%

Apprentice Tool Maker Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Apprentice Tool Maker's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$60,794
Average $67,073/year
$72,291
$5,066
Average $5,589/month
$6,024
$1,169
Average $1,290/week
$1,390
$29
Average $32/hour
$35
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $72,291 $6,024 $1,390 $35
Average $67,073 $5,589 $1,290 $32
25th Percentile $60,794 $5,066 $1,169 $29

Find Your Next Apprentice Tool Maker Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Apprentice Tool Maker job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Sterling Engineering | Fox River Grove, IL

    Sterling Engineering | Fox River Grove, IL

    Job DescriptionJob Title: Tool MakerLocation: Wauconda, IL 60084Job Type: Direct-HireSchedule: M-F, 6:00 AM- 2:30 PMSalary: $62k-$83k ($29-$39/hr)Benefits:... more

    9 Days Ago

  • AmTab Manufacturing Corporation | Bensenville, IL

    AmTab Manufacturing Corporation | Bensenville, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. This role is responsible for designing, machining, building, repairing, and maintaining precision tools, fix... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Amity Die & Stamping LLC | Lake Forest, IL

    Amity Die & Stamping LLC | Lake Forest, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. Amity Die. and Stamping is seeking an experienced Journeyman. Tool and Die Maker. to build and maintain a wide range of p... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Chicago Mold Engineering | Saint Charles, IL

    Chicago Mold Engineering | Saint Charles, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. Chicago Mold Engineering, in its 80 plus year history, has become an awarded leader in plastic injection mold making. We ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Dynomax Inc. | Wheeling, IL

    Dynomax Inc. | Wheeling, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. TOOL MAKER / PRECISION GRINDER. A family-owned company, Dynomax designs, manufactures, and develops high-precision machin... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Sterling Engineering Inc. | Saint Charles, IL

    Sterling Engineering Inc. | Saint Charles, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. Job Title: Tool Maker. Location: Manufacturing Facility (On-site). Employment Type: Full-Time. Industry: Rigid Plastic Pa... more

    8 Days Ago

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