Assemblers & Fabricators
Assemblers and fabricators construct, modify, and repair a wide variety of products by joining parts, components, and materials using hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment. These professionals work across diverse industries including aerospace, electronics, automotive, and manufacturing, reading blueprints and technical specifications to ensure precise assembly. They may specialize in areas ranging from aircraft systems and electronic equipment to structural metals and precision timing devices.
π¬Career Video
π€AI Resilience Assessment
AI Resilience Score
Score 1/6: high AI task exposure, limited human advantage creates significant risk from AI disruption (estimated from legacy data)
How we calculated this:
97% of tasks can be accelerated by AI
0% projected (2024-2034)
EPOCH score: 8/25
πKey Responsibilities
- β’Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps.
- β’Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.
- β’Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.
- β’Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment.
- β’Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation.
- β’Cut, trim, file, bend, or smooth parts to ensure proper fit and clearance.
- β’Fabricate parts needed for assembly or installation, using shop machinery or equipment.
- β’Layout and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts or components, using jigs, templates, or measuring and marking instruments.
π‘Inside This Career
Assemblers and fabricators spend their days transforming raw materials and individual components into finished products that power modern life. A typical day revolves around hands-on construction work, with professionals reading blueprints, schematics, or technical drawings to understand how pieces fit together. They position components precisely, operate specialized tools and machinery, and use techniques like welding, soldering, drilling, and fastening to join materials. Whether winding copper wire into electromagnetic coils, fitting metal structures for aircraft, or assembling electronic circuit boards, these workers focus intensely on accuracy and quality, knowing that their craftsmanship directly impacts product performance and safety.
The work environment varies dramatically across specializationsβfrom clean electronics assembly rooms where workers handle delicate microcomponents under magnification, to industrial fabrication floors filled with heavy machinery and metal structures. Some assemblers work independently at dedicated stations, methodically building products from start to finish, while others function as part of assembly line teams where each person contributes specific steps to the manufacturing process. Projects can range from intricate timing mechanisms requiring microscopic precision to large structural frameworks demanding physical strength and spatial reasoning.
Collaboration plays a crucial role throughout the day, as assemblers coordinate with quality control inspectors, engineers, and supervisors to resolve technical issues and ensure specifications are met. They document their work, perform routine equipment maintenance, and often participate in continuous improvement efforts to enhance efficiency. The rhythm of the day typically alternates between focused individual work and brief collaborative moments, creating a balance of concentration and teamwork that keeps the manufacturing process flowing smoothly.
πCareer Progression
What does this mean?
This shows how earnings typically grow with experience. Entry level represents starting salaries, while Expert shows top earners (90th percentile). Most workers reach mid-career earnings within 5-10 years. Figures are national averages and vary by location and employer.
πEducation & Training
Requirements
- β’Entry Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- β’Experience: Some experience helpful
- β’On-the-job Training: Few months to one year
Time & Cost
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Find jobs and training programs for assemblers & fabricators- Median salary: $40K/year
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π»Technology Skills
βKey Abilities
π·οΈAlso Known As
πSpecializations
This career includes 10 specialized roles with different focuses and compensation levels.
| Specialization | Median Pay | AI Outlook | O*NET Code | Find Jobs | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $61,240 | π | 51-2011.00 | View details | ||
| $50,270 | π | 51-2031.00 | View details | ||
| $48,840 | π | 51-2061.00 | View details | ||
| $48,480 | π | 51-2041.00 | View details | ||
| $44,890 | π | 51-2021.00 | View details |
πRelated Careers
Other careers in production
πData Sources
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