Explore This Path

Aircraft Assembler

💰 Earn $48K-$65K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 Month Training

📈 -14.5% Job Growth

Perfect for those who love building and working with their hands on complex projects.
Contribute to the creation of aircraft that connect people and places worldwide.
Work on cutting-edge technology in aviation and space exploration.

What Aircraft Assemblers DoAssemble, 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.

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.

Aircraft Assemblers Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED

Career ProspectsRisky (Decreasing by 5% or more)

Training Time6 months to 1 year

Job Openings2,800 Annually

Median Earnings

$56,160 in California

$61,680 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@jef.kins

@julia.yates3

@imoleshakur

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

you value

Having support
Job security
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Quality Control Analysis

Go Deeper: Aircraft Assemblers Explained

Aircraft AssemblerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Workforce Development ProgramA workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

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