The median annual wage for machinists was $40,550 in May 2015. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,230, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $61,290.

The median annual wage for tool and die makers was $50,290 in May 2015. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,010, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $73,530.

The pay of apprentices is tied to their skill level. As they gain more skills and reach specific levels of performance and experience, their pay increases.

Although many machinists and tool and die makers work full time during regular business hours, some work on evenings and weekends because facilities may operate around the clock. Overtime is also common.