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Manufacturing51-2011.00Specialization

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

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.

$61,240
Median Pay
Less than 6 months
Training
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In Transition
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This is a specialization of

Assemblers & Fabricators

Career Overview Video

AI Impact Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Score 2/6: low AI task exposure, declining job demand, limited human advantage indicates this career is being transformed by AI

🟠In Transition

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
Low+2

3% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Declining+0

-15% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Weak+0

EPOCH score: 8/25

Total Score2/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09
View full methodology →

Key Responsibilities

  • Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps.
  • Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.
  • Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.
  • Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment.
  • Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation.
  • Cut, trim, file, bend, or smooth parts to ensure proper fit and clearance.
  • Fabricate parts needed for assembly or installation, using shop machinery or equipment.
  • Layout and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts or components, using jigs, templates, or measuring and marking instruments.
  • Clean, oil, or coat system components, as necessary, before assembly or attachment.
  • Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies.

Education & Training

Typical Entry Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Time to Job Ready

0-1 years

Based on Job Zone 2. For formal education duration only, see education_duration.

Technology Skills

CAD softwareERP systems (SAP)Microsoft ExcelBlueprint reading softwareQuality control systems

Key Abilities

Problem SensitivityNear VisionFinger DexterityInformation OrderingVisualizationManual DexterityOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningArm-Hand Steadiness

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Compensation Details

$39,550
10th Percentile
$61,240
Median
$93,180
90th Percentile

Based on 29,810 employed workers

Also Known As

A&P Technician (Airframe and Powerplant Technician)Aerospace AssemblerAircraft De-Icer InstallerAircraft Fuselage FramerAircraft Layout WorkerAircraft Line AssemblerAircraft Part AssemblerAircraft Parts AssemblerAircraft Powerplant RepairerAircraft Riveter

Data from O*NET 30.1 and BLS Occupational Employment Statistics

O*NET Code: 51-2011.00