Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Assembler
- Sheet Metal Assembler and Riveter (SMAR)
- Sheet Metal Mechanic
- Structures Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- A&P Technician (Airframe and Powerplant Technician)
- Aerospace Assembler
- Aircraft De-Icer Installer
- Aircraft Fuselage Framer
- Aircraft Layout Worker
- Aircraft Line Assembler
- Aircraft Part Assembler
- Aircraft Parts Assembler
- Aircraft Powerplant Repairer
- Aircraft Riveter
- Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic
- Aircraft Structure Assembler
- Aircraft Structures and Surfaces Assembler
- Armament Aircraft Mechanic
- Assembler
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Problem Sensitivity
- Near Vision
- Finger Dexterity
- Visualization
- Information Ordering
- Manual Dexterity
- Oral Comprehension
- Speech Recognition
- Extent Flexibility
- Deductive Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
- Independence
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- Adhesive application robots
- Alligator jaw compression riveters
- Anti-vibration gloves
- Arc welding equipment
- Assembly robots
- Autoriveters
- Beading tools
- Bearing installation tools
- Bearing staking tools
- Blind rivet guns
- Brazing equipment
- Burring tools
- C-yoke compression riveters
- Cable cutters
- Case wrenches
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Exposed to Contaminants
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $46,040 |
| Median | $61,680 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $94,950 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 32,890
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $52,540
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,900
Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: Varies
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: Varies
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $61,870
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.