Median pay
$61,680
Median annual pay for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗
View source ↗
Production
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.
10-year growth
-14.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗
View source ↗
Annual openings
2,800
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗
View source ↗
Employment
33,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗
View source ↗
Jobs added or lost
-4,900
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗
View source ↗
Entry preparation
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
View source ↗
View source ↗
O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Active Listening
- 2Critical Thinking
- 3Monitoring
- 4Reading Comprehension
- 5Speaking
- 6Active Learning
Knowledge areas
- 1Mathematics
- 2Education and Training
- 3English Language
- 4Mechanical
- 5Production and Processing
- 6Design
Abilities
- 1Problem Sensitivity
- 2Near Vision
- 3Finger Dexterity
- 4Information Ordering
- 5Manual Dexterity
- 6Visualization
Career interests
- 1Realistic
- 2Conventional
- 3Investigative
- 4Artistic
- 5Enterprising
- 6Social
Work styles
- 1Attention to Detail
- 2Cautiousness
- 3Dependability
- 4Integrity
- 5Perseverance
- 6Achievement Orientation
Work activities
- 1Controlling Machines and Processes
- 2Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- 3Getting Information
- 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- 5Documenting/Recording Information
- 6Handling and Moving Objects
Work context
- 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- 2Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 4Exposed to Contaminants
- 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- 6Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
Representative tasks
- 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.
Software and tools
Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyElectrical power management system software
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.