What Do Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler Do?
Aircraft Structure Assembler Job 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.
List of Aircraft Structure Assembler Job Duties
- Capture or segregate waste material, such as aluminum swarf, machine cutting fluid, or solvents, for recycling or environmentally responsible disposal.
- Fit and fasten sheet metal coverings to surface areas or other sections of aircraft prior to welding or riveting.
- Set, align, adjust, or synchronize aircraft armament or rigging or control system components to established tolerances or requirements using sighting devices and hand tools.
- Swage fittings onto cables, using swaging machines.
- Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies.
- Place and connect control cables to electronically controlled units, using hand tools, ring locks, cotter keys, threaded connectors, turnbuckles, or related devices.
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Things an Aircraft Structure Assembler Should Know How to Do
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Types of Aircraft Structure Assembler Jobs
- A&P Technician (Airframe and Powerplant Technician)
- Automatic Riveting Machine Operator
- Plumbing and Hydraulics Aircraft Mechanic
- Shroudman
- Tab Builder
Aircraft Structure Assembler Job Outlook
There were about 41,800 jobs for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 3,200 job openings in this field each year.

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.
Salary for an Aircraft Structure Assembler
The salary for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers ranges between about $32,250 and $82,390 a year.

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 different U.S. states?
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Becoming an Aircraft Structure Assembler
Learn what Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become an Aircraft Structure Assembler?

Where Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Work

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

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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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