Production & Manufacturing · 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.
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$45–55k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$57–67k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
-14.5% · Declining
Projected decline of -14.5% from 2024 to 2034; about 3 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
1–2 years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Entry-Level Assemblers
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Experienced Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Senior Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Director of Production & Manufacturing
You prioritize Support
This career is strongly aligned with Support — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Quality Control Analysis
Quality Control Analysis is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires short-term training (less than 1 year), which matches common student preparation goals.
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