Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers earn a median of $65,380 per year ($31.43/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 5.6% through 2035, with about 3,100 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 51-2011
- Production
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler in four numbers
- Median pay
- $65,380a year, or $31.43/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $47KTop 10% $108K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -5.6%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−5.6%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −5.6% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 3,10034,400 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202534.4K
- Projected 203532.5K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 34.4K Projected 2035 32.5K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school3.2%
- High school54.8%
- Certificate15.7%
- Some college0.6%
- Associate's10%
- Bachelor's15.7%
Highest education held by aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers Segment Value Less than high school 3.2% High school 54.8% Certificate 15.7% Some college 0.6% Associate's 10% Bachelor's 15.7%
Also advertised as: Aircraft Assembler, Aircraft Line Assembler, Assembler, Assembly Riveter, Assembly Technician (Assembly Tech), Sheet Metal Assembler and Riveter (SMAR).
Pay
How much do Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers make?
Every aircraft structure, surface, rigging, and systems assembler in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$65,380
Middle half earn $58,600 to $83,410
- 10th
- $47,310
- 25th
- $58,600
- 75th
- $83,410
- 90th
- $107,500
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $47,310 |
| 25th | $58,600 |
| Median | $65,380 |
| 75th | $83,410 |
| 90th | $107,500 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $65,380
- Median hourly wage
- $31.43/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $71,420
- People employed
- 34,020
Versus all US occupations
At $65,380, Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers earn 28% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $14,400 a year.
Versus production occupations
Inside the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030, this is 36% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $107,500 or more while the bottom 10% earn $47,310, a gap of 2.3×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 40% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Washington pays the most at $110,470, and still leads at $103,230 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Washington | $110,470 | $103,230 | 4,280 |
| 2Pennsylvania | $81,680 | $83,713 | 740 |
| 3Connecticut | $78,630 | $75,890 | 500 |
| 4Texas | $76,640 | $78,964 | 3,010 |
| 5Arizona | $73,930 | $73,433 | 1,210 |
| 6Georgia | $72,550 | $75,343 | 2,950 |
| 7Colorado | $70,870 | $68,771 | 160 |
| 8Tennessee | $66,390 | $72,265 | 130 |
| 9Florida | $64,580 | $62,448 | 1,280 |
| 10Nebraska | $64,530 | $71,618 | 220 |
Job outlook
Is Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -5.6% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers | −5.6% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers to change -5.6% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 1,900 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 3,100 openings are projected each year, 9.0% of the 34,400 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of assemblers and fabricators is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 177,500 openings for assemblers and fabricators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of assemblers and fabricators varies by occupation (see table).
Getting in
How to become an Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler
The education and qualifications typically needed to enter these occupations vary by industry and employer. Although a high school diploma is enough for most jobs, experience and training are needed for advanced assembly work.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)54.8%
- Post-Secondary Certificate15.7%
- Bachelor's Degree15.7%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree10%
- Less than a High School Diploma3.2%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 54.8% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 15.7% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 15.7% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 10% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 3.2% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does an Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler do?
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.
Assemblers and fabricators build finished products and the parts that go into them. They use handtools and machines to make vehicles, toys, electronic devices, and more.
Day-to-day tasks
- Align, fit, assemble, connect, or install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, or power tools.
- Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.
- Cut, trim, file, bend, or smooth parts to ensure proper fit and clearance.
- Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation.
- Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps.
- Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies.
- Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.
- Clean, oil, or coat system components, as necessary, before assembly or attachment.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most assemblers and fabricators work full time. Some assemblers and fabricators work in shifts, which may require evening, weekend, and night work.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Active Listening3.1
- Critical Thinking3.1
- Monitoring3.1
- Reading Comprehension3.0
- Speaking3.0
- Active Learning2.9
- Writing2.8
- Learning Strategies2.6
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | 3.1 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.1 |
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.0 |
| Speaking | 3.0 |
| Active Learning | 2.9 |
| Writing | 2.8 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Quality Control Analysis3.4
- Complex Problem Solving3.0
- Equipment Maintenance3.0
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0
- Time Management3.0
- Coordination2.9
- Instructing2.9
- Equipment Selection2.9
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.4 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.0 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.0 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 |
| Time Management | 3.0 |
| Coordination | 2.9 |
| Instructing | 2.9 |
| Equipment Selection | 2.9 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Industrial control software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits an Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 3 |
| Artistic | 2 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic7.0
- Conventional3.8
- Investigative2.7
- Artistic1.7
- Enterprising1.4
- Social1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler
O*NET related occupations
- Production
- Production
- Production
Electromechanical Equipment Assembler
$45,930median a year
Most earn $35K to $63K
+4.6%Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed - Production
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assembler
$45,930median a year
Most earn $35K to $63K
+4.6%Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed - Production
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
More production careers
Median annual pay, with aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers highlighted
- Power Plant Operator$102,040
- Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler$65,380
- Tool and Die Maker$64,050
- Machinist$58,750
- Welder$53,750
- Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter$51,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$50,690
- Butcher and Meat Cutter$40,140
- Baker$37,160
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 |
| Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler | $65,380 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 |
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Welder | $53,750 |
| Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter | $51,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $50,690 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler appears on
Questions
Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler: frequently asked questions
How much do Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers make?
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers earn a median of $65,380 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 28% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $31.43/hr. The middle half earn between $58,600 and $83,410. The top 10% earn $107,500 or more.
Do you need a degree to become an Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 54.8% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 5.6% over 2025–2035, a loss of 1,900 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 3,100 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does an Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler do?
Assemblers and fabricators build finished products and the parts that go into them. A core O*NET task: align, fit, assemble, connect, or install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, or power tools. Employers most often ask for Electronic mail software, Enterprise resource planning ERP software, Office suite software.
Which states pay Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers the most?
The highest state medians for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers are Washington ($110,470), Pennsylvania ($81,680), Connecticut ($78,630) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits an Aircraft Structure, Surface, Rigging, and Systems Assembler?
O*NET scores Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.