Production
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Also called: Assembler, Assembly Line Worker, Cell Technician, Engine Assembler
US median pay
$53,710
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-17%
declining
Openings a year (US)
2,100
33,500 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
What they do day to day
- Read and interpret assembly blueprints or specifications manuals, and plan assembly or building operations.
- Inspect, operate, and test completed products to verify functioning, machine capabilities, or conformance to customer specifications.
- Position or align components for assembly, manually or using hoists.
- Set and verify parts clearances.
- Verify conformance of parts to stock lists or blueprints, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
- Fasten or install piping, fixtures, or wiring and electrical components to form assemblies or subassemblies, using hand tools, rivet guns, or welding equipment.
- Remove rough spots and smooth surfaces to fit, trim, or clean parts, using hand tools or power tools.
- Lay out and drill, ream, tap, or cut parts for assembly.
- Rework, repair, or replace damaged parts or assemblies.
- Assemble systems of gears by aligning and meshing gears in gearboxes.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operations Monitoring3.4/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.1/5
- Troubleshooting2.9/5
- Time Management2.9/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.9/5
- Repairing2.9/5
- Operation and Control2.9/5
- Equipment Maintenance2.9/5
Knowledge
- Mechanical3.9/5
- Production and Processing3.4/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.2/5
- Engineering and Technology3.0/5
- Public Safety and Security2.9/5
- Mathematics2.9/5
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 diploma64%
- Post-secondary certificate13%
- Less than high school11%
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.