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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.

Median Annual Pay
$39,691
Range: $30,030 - $93,180
Training Time
Less than 6 months
AI Resilience
πŸ”΄High Disruption Risk
Education
High school diploma or equivalent

🎬Career Video

πŸ€–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)

πŸ”΄High Disruption Risk

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
High+0

97% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Stable+1

0% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Weak+0

EPOCH score: 8/25

Total Score1/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09

πŸ“‹Key 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.

πŸ’‘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 specializationsβ€”from 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.

πŸ“ˆCareer 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.

1
Entry (10th %ile)
0-2 years experience
$30,030
$27,027 - $33,033
2
Early Career (25th %ile)
2-6 years experience
$34,980
$31,482 - $38,478
3
Mid-Career (Median)
5-15 years experience
$38,920
$35,028 - $42,812
4
Experienced (75th %ile)
10-20 years experience
$47,310
$42,579 - $52,041
5
Expert (90th %ile)
15-30 years experience
$59,840
$53,856 - $65,824

πŸ“šEducation & 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

Education Duration
0-0 years (typically 0)
Estimated Education Cost
$0 - $0
Can earn while learning
Source: college board (2024)
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πŸ’»Technology Skills

CAD softwareERP systems (SAP)Microsoft ExcelBlueprint reading softwareQuality control systemsMachine control softwareTesting/diagnostic systemsLabVIEWCalibration softwareProduction control systemsCAD software (AutoCAD)CAD software (SolidWorks)Quality inspection systemsCAD software (Tekla, CATIA)ERP systems

⭐Key Abilities

β€’Problem Sensitivity
β€’Near Vision
β€’Finger Dexterity
β€’Information Ordering
β€’Visualization
β€’Manual Dexterity
β€’Oral Comprehension
β€’Written Comprehension
β€’Deductive Reasoning
β€’Arm-Hand Steadiness

🏷️Also Known As

Assemblers & FabricatorsA&P Technician (Airframe and Powerplant Technician)Aerospace AssemblerAircraft De-Icer InstallerAircraft Fuselage FramerAircraft Layout WorkerAircraft Line AssemblerAircraft Part AssemblerAircraft Parts AssemblerAircraft Powerplant Repairer+20 more

πŸ“‘Specializations

This career includes 10 specialized roles with different focuses and compensation levels.

πŸ”—Related Careers

Other careers in production

πŸ”—Data Sources

Last updated: 2026-01-09

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