Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Also called: Aircraft Structure 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: Aircraft Assembler, Aircraft Fuselage Framer, Aircraft Layout Worker, Aircraft Line Assembler, Aircraft Part Assembler, Aircraft Structure Assembler
Median pay
$65,380
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$47,310 – $107,500
People employed
34,020
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 5.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 6.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
The hard parts
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (22 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers salary in every state →
What aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers do
- 01Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.
- 02Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment.
- 03Set, align, adjust, or synchronize aircraft armament or rigging or control system components to established tolerances or requirements, using sighting devices and hand tools.
- 04Join structural assemblies, such as wings, tails, or fuselage.
- 05Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps.
- 06Capture or segregate waste material, such as aluminum swarf, machine cutting fluid, or solvents, for recycling or environmentally responsible disposal.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic83% · −2%
- Millwrights81% · 0%
- Sheet Metal Workers78% · −5%
- Avionics Technicians78% · +26%
- Machinists78% · −10%
Change into aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers85% · $53,750
- Millwrights84% · $65,700
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic83% · $63,870
- Machinists83% · $58,750
- Riggers83% · $62,640
Majors that lead here
- Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician
- Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician
- Avionics Maintenance Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.