Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
Also called: Assembler · Assembly Line Worker · Cell Technician · Engine Assembler · Engine Builder · Field Service Technician
Median pay (national)
$52,540
$37,950–$74,300 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
38,420
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-21.1%
~2,800 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for engine and other machine assemblers shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $74,300 versus $37,950 at the bottom 10% — 2.0x. The median of $52,540 leaves roughly 41% 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 -21.1% 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 36 states with released data, North Carolina pays the most for this role (median $75,560, +44% vs the national median), while Virginia sits lowest at $34,890 — a 117% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Read and interpret assembly blueprints or specifications manuals, and plan assembly or building operations.
- 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.
- Rework, repair, or replace damaged parts or assemblies.
- Inspect, operate, and test completed products to verify functioning, machine capabilities, or conformance to customer specifications.
- Assemble systems of gears by aligning and meshing gears in gearboxes.
Tools & technology
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- SAP software
- Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Design