Customize Your Journey
For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

Median Salary
61,240
Job Outlook
0%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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 is the job outlook?

Overall employment of assemblers and fabricators is projected to decline 0 percent from 2023 to 2033. Despite declining employment, about 209,800 openings for assemblers and fabricators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$39,210

10%

$61,240

Median

$88,710

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    54%

  • Bachelor's degree

    15%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    15%

  • Associate's degree

    9%

  • Less than high school

    3%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician
  • Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician
  • Avionics Maintenance Technology/Technician

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Education and Training
  • Mechanical
  • Production and Processing
  • English Language
  • Design

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

Related Occupations

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.