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.
Also called: A&P Technician (Airframe and Powerplant Technician) · Aircraft Line Assembler · Assembler · Assembly Riveter · Helicopter Technician · Sheet Metal Assembler and Riveter (SMAR)
Median pay (national)
$61,680
$46,040–$94,950 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
32,890
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-14.5%
~2,800 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $94,950 versus $46,040 at the bottom 10% — 2.1x. The median of $61,680 leaves roughly 54% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -14.5% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 2,800 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 24 states with released data, Washington pays the most for this role (median $93,550, +52% vs the national median), while Arkansas sits lowest at $40,690 — a 130% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
Tailor your resume to Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Honest tailoring
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment.
- Cut, trim, file, bend, or smooth parts to ensure proper fit and clearance.
- 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.
- Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation.
- Clean, oil, or coat system components, as necessary, before assembly or attachment.
- Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.
- 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.
- Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies.
Tools & technology
- SAP software
- Electrical power management system software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Production and Processing
- Design
- Computers and Electronics
- Public Safety and Security