Assemblers and Fabricators

How to become an Engine and Other Machine Assembler

Official title: Engine and Other Machine Assemblers

Also called: Assembler, Assembly Line Worker, Cell Technician, Engine Assembler, Engine Builder, Field Service Technician, Fitter, Large Engine Assembler, Machine Assembler, Mechanical Assembler

Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.

Main tasks

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.
Lay out and drill, ream, tap, or cut parts for assembly.

How to become one

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.

Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

Apprenticeship: Assembler, Aircraft Powerplant.
Apprenticeship: Machine Assembler.
Apprenticeship: Machine Builder.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $53,710 a year The middle half earn $45,230 to $74,920.
About 33,500 people work in this job now, and about 27,800 are projected by 2035. (-17%)
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Questions people ask

How do I become an Engine and Other Machine Assembler?

How much does an Engine and Other Machine Assembler earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $53,710 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $45,230 to $74,920.

Is an Engine and Other Machine Assembler a growing career in the US?

Employment is projected to fall 17% by 2035, from about 33,500 to about 27,800 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become an Engine and Other Machine Assembler?

Usually not. Only 9% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Assembler, Aircraft Powerplant.

Will AI change the work of an Engine and Other Machine Assembler?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.