What Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies"; "Layout and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts or components, using jigs, templates, or measuring and marking instruments"; "Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding"; "Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment"; "Clean, oil, or coat system components, as necessary, before assembly or attachment".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 34,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 32,500 in 2035, a decrease of 1,900 jobs (-5.6%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 3,100 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 9.0% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $65,380, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers earn the most
Published data currently covers Kansas, where the employment-weighted average of local median wages is $59,711. More states are added as pages are published.
Occupations related to Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (51-2000) include Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers and Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators.
Frequently asked questions about Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
What is the national median wage for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $65,380.
What is the job outlook for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 5.6% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 3,100 openings a year.
What education do Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.