What Does it Take to Be an Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler?
Occupation Description 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.
A Day in the Life of an Aircraft Structure Assembler
- Clean, oil, or coat system components as necessary before assembly or attachment.
- Assemble prototypes or integrated-technology demonstrators of new or emerging environmental technologies for aircraft.
- Fit and fasten sheet metal coverings to surface areas or other sections of aircraft prior to welding or riveting.
- Install mechanical linkages and actuators, using tensiometers to verify tension of cables.
- Set, align, adjust, or synchronize aircraft armament or rigging or control system components to established tolerances or requirements using sighting devices and hand tools.
- Align, fit, assemble, connect, or install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, or power tools.
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Aircraft Structure Assembler Required Skills
When polled, Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Sheet Metal Assembler and Riveter (SMAR)
- Sheet Metal Mechanic
- Fuel-Efficient Aircraft Construction Worker
- Conduit Bender
- Harness Installer
Aircraft Structure Assembler Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 41,800 jobs for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler. The BLS estimates 3,200 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Aircraft Structure Assembler are Utah, Nebraska, and Alabama. Watch out if you plan on working in Ohio, Arkansas, or West Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of an Aircraft Structure Assembler
The typical yearly salary for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers is somewhere between $32,250 and $82,390.

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers who work in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, or Texas, make the highest salaries.
How much do Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $50,830 |
Arizona | $50,910 |
Arkansas | $56,110 |
California | $49,600 |
Colorado | $50,620 |
Connecticut | $74,500 |
Florida | $48,390 |
Georgia | $58,750 |
Illinois | $51,050 |
Indiana | $47,900 |
Michigan | $52,260 |
New Jersey | $48,760 |
New York | $49,750 |
Ohio | $44,240 |
Oklahoma | $48,270 |
Pennsylvania | $77,540 |
Texas | $60,010 |
West Virginia | $51,180 |
What Tools do Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
How to Become an Aircraft Structure Assembler
What education is needed to be an Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler?

What work experience do I need to become an Aircraft Structure Assembler?

Where Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Are Employed

The table below shows the approximate number of Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers employed by various industries.

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming an Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler might also be interested in the following careers:
- Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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