Career Overview
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
Also Known As
- Assembler
- Assembly Line Worker
- Engine Assembler
- Machine Assembler
Alternate Job Titles
- Air Conditioning Coil Assembler (AC Coil Assembler)
- Aircraft Engine Assembler
- Aircraft Power Plant Assembler
- Aircraft Powerplant Assembler
- Assembler
- Assembler Erector
- Assembling Motor Builder
- Assembly Line Worker
- Automation Machine Builder
- Automobile Engine Assembler
- Automotive Production Worker
- Bearing Ring Assembler
- Blower and Compressor Assembler
- Cell Technician
- Clutch Housing Assembler
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Read and interpret assembly blueprints or specifications manuals, and plan assembly or building operations.
- Inspect, operate, and test completed products to verify functioning, machine capabilities, or conformance to customer specifications.
- Position or align components for assembly, manually or using hoists.
- Set and verify parts clearances.
- Verify conformance of parts to stock lists or blueprints, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
- Fasten or install piping, fixtures, or wiring and electrical components to form assemblies or subassemblies, using hand tools, rivet guns, or welding equipment.
- Remove rough spots and smooth surfaces to fit, trim, or clean parts, using hand tools or power tools.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mechanical
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Manual Dexterity
- Finger Dexterity
- Near Vision
- Visualization
- Extent Flexibility
- Problem Sensitivity
- Static Strength
- Information Ordering
- Multilimb Coordination
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Achievement Orientation
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 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
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable wrenches
- Allen wrenches
- Backup wrenches
- Band saws
- Claw hammers
- Dial calipers
- Dial indicators
- Engine repair stands
- Feeler gauges
- Flaring tools
- Flat head screwdrivers
- Gear pullers
- Gear wrenches
- Grinding machines
- Hand drills
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Time Pressure
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $37,950 |
| Median | $52,540 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $74,300 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 38,420
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $61,680
Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: Varies
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $53,990
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: Varies
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $63,760
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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.