Production
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Also called: Aircraft Assembler, Aircraft Line Assembler, Assembler, Assembly Riveter
US median pay
$65,380
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-5.6%
declining
Openings a year (US)
3,100
34,400 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.
What they do day to day
- Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.
- Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment.
- Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps.
- Mark identifying information on tubing or cable assemblies, using etching devices, labels, rubber stamps, or other methods.
- Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation.
- Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.
- Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies.
- Clean aircraft structures, parts, or components, using aqueous, semi-aqueous, aliphatic hydrocarbon, or organic solvent cleaning products or techniques to reduce carbon or other harmful emissions.
- Align, fit, assemble, connect, or install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, or power tools.
- Cut, trim, file, bend, or smooth parts to ensure proper fit and clearance.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Quality Control Analysis3.4/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Equipment Maintenance3.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.0/5
- Troubleshooting2.9/5
- Systems Evaluation2.9/5
- Systems Analysis2.9/5
Knowledge
- Mathematics3.5/5
- Education and Training3.5/5
- Mechanical3.4/5
- English Language3.4/5
- Production and Processing3.4/5
- Design3.4/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma55%
- Post-secondary certificate16%
- Bachelor's degree16%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.