### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Assemblers and Fabricators Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			assemblers and fabricators imageAssemblers and fabricators assemble both finished products and the parts that go into them.							
						Quick Facts:     Assemblers and Fabricators2023     Median Pay
            						$39,720     per year
										$19.10     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    High school diploma or equivalentWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    Moderate-term on-the-job trainingNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    1,961,900Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    -6% (Decline)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    -125,700What Assemblers and Fabricators Do
                                                
                        
                        
Assemblers and fabricators build finished products and the parts that go into them.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Most assemblers and fabricators work in manufacturing plants. Their duties may involve long periods of standing or sitting. Most work full time, including some evenings and weekends.
            
                                                How to Become an Assembler or Fabricator
                                                
                        
The education and qualifications typically needed to enter these occupations vary by industry and employer. Although a high school diploma is enough for most jobs, experience and training are needed for advanced assembly work.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for assemblers and fabricators was $39,720 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of assemblers and fabricators is projected to decline							 6 percent from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite declining  employment, about 188,600 openings for assemblers and fabricators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for assemblers and fabricators.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of assemblers and fabricators with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about assemblers and fabricators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Assemblers and Fabricators Do 
            

			Assemblers and fabricatorsAssemblers and fabricators conduct  quality checks for faulty components or mistakes in the assembly process.			
Assemblers and fabricators build finished products and the parts that go into them. They use handtools and machines to make vehicles, toys, electronic devices, and more.
Duties
Assemblers and fabricators typically do the following:
Read and understand schematics and blueprints
Position or align components and parts either manually or with hoists
Use handtools or machines to assemble parts
Conduct quality control checks
Clean and maintain work area and equipment, including toolsAssemblers and fabricators need a range of knowledge and skills. For example, assemblers putting together complex machines must be able to read detailed schematics. After determining how parts should connect, they use handtools or power tools to trim, cut, and make other adjustments to fit components together. When the parts are properly aligned, they connect them with bolts and screws, or they weld or solder pieces together.
Assemblers look for faulty components and mistakes throughout the assembly process. Such assessments help to ensure quality by allowing assemblers to fix problems before defective products are made.
Modern manufacturing systems use robots, computers, and other technologies. These systems use teams of workers to produce entire products or components.
Assemblers and fabricators may also be involved in product development. Designers and engineers may consult manufacturing workers during the design stage to improve product reliability and manufacturing efficiency. Some experienced assemblers work with designers and engineers to build prototypes or test products.
Although most assemblers and fabricators are classified as team assemblers, others specialize in producing one type of product or in doing the same or similar tasks throughout the manufacturing process.
The following are examples of types of assemblers and fabricators:
***Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers*** fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, missiles, or space vehicles. These parts include the wings, landing gear, and heating and ventilating systems.
***Coil winders, tapers, and finishers*** roll wire curs of electrical components used in electric and electronic products, including resistors, transformers, and electric motors. Using handtools, these workers also attach and trim coils or insulation.
***Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers*** build products such as computers, electric motors, and sensing equipment. Unlike in industries with automated systems, much of the small-scale production of electronic devices for aircraft, military systems, and medical equipment must be done by hand. These workers use devices such as soldering irons.
***Electromechanical equipment assemblers*** make and modify mechanical devices that run on electricity, such as household appliances, computer tomography scanners, and vending machines. These workers use tools such as rulers, rivet guns, and soldering irons.
***Engine and machine assemblers*** construct and rebuild motors, turbines, and machines used in automobiles, construction and mining equipment, and power generators.
***Fiberglass laminators and fabricators*** overlay fiberglass onto molds, forming protective surfaces for boat decks and hulls, golf cart bodies, and other products.
***Structural metal fabricators and fitters*** cut, align, and fit together structural metal parts and may help weld or rivet the parts together.
***Team assemblers*** rotate through different tasks on an assembly line, rather than specializing in a single task. Team members may decide how work is assigned and tasks are completed.
***Timing device assemblers, adjusters, and calibrators*** manufacture or modify instruments that require precise measurement of time, such as clocks, watches, and chronometers.
 Work Environment
			Assemblers and fabricatorsAssemblers and fabricators work in plants and factories.			

	    
				
	
	    	    		Assemblers and fabricators held about 2.0 million jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up assemblers and fabricators was distributed as follows:
    	    	
    	Miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators
                1,500,400Electrical, electronic, and electromechanical assemblers, except coil winders, tapers, and finishers
                282,900Structural metal fabricators and fitters
                59,600Engine and other machine assemblers
                50,900Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
                33,900Fiberglass laminators and fabricators
                22,600Coil winders, tapers, and finishers
                11,100Timing device assemblers and adjusters
                400The largest employers of assemblers and fabricators were as follows:
        Transportation equipment manufacturing
                25%Temporary help services
                12Machinery manufacturing
                9Computer and electronic product manufacturing
                8Fabricated metal product manufacturing
                8Most assemblers and fabricators work in manufacturing plants, and working conditions vary by plant and by industry. Many physically difficult tasks, such as tightening massive bolts or moving heavy parts into position, have been automated or made easier through the use of power tools. Assembly work, however, may still involve long periods of standing, sitting, or working on ladders.
Injuries and Illnesses
Some assemblers come into contact with potentially dangerous chemicals or fumes, but ventilation systems usually minimize any harmful effects. Other assemblers come into contact with oil and grease, and their work areas may be noisy. Fiberglass laminators and fabricators are exposed to fiberglass, which may irritate the skin; these workers must wear protective gear, such as gloves and long sleeves, and must use respirators for safety.
Work Schedules
Most assemblers and fabricators work full time. Some assemblers and fabricators work in shifts, which may require evening, weekend, and night work.
 How to Become an Assembler or Fabricator

			Assemblers and fabricatorsAssemblers and fabricators usually receive  training in a specialty area.			
The education and qualifications typically needed to enter these occupations vary by industry and employer. Although a high school diploma is enough for most jobs, experience and training are needed for advanced assembly work.
Education
Assemblers and fabricators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation.
Training
Workers typically receive several months of on-the-job training, sometimes including employer-sponsored technical instruction.
Skilled assemblers and fabricators may need special training or an associate’s degree, depending on the employer. For example, workers in electrical, electronic, and aircraft and motor vehicle products manufacturing typically need postsecondary education. Apprenticeship programs are also available.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA) offers certificates and training programs in fabrication, coil processing, and other related topics. Although not required, these credentials demonstrate competence and professionalism and may help a candidate advance in the occupation.
In addition, many employers, especially those in the aerospace and defense industries, require electrical and electronic assembly workers to have certifications in soldering. The Association Connecting Electronics Industries, also known as IPC, offers a number of certification programs related to electronic assembly and soldering.
Advancement
Experienced assemblers and fabricators may advance to become a supervisor or manager.
Important Qualities
***Color vision*.** Assemblers and fabricators who make electrical and electronic products must distinguish different colors, because the wires they often work with are color coded.
***Dexterity*.** Assemblers and fabricators should have a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination, as they must grasp, manipulate, and assemble parts and components that are often very small.
***Mechanical skills*.** Assemblers and fabricators must have a working knowledge of basic machinery to use programmable motion-control devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor.
***Physical stamina*.** Assemblers and fabricators must be able to stand for long periods and do repetitive tasks. Some assemblers, such as those in the aerospace industry, must frequently bend or climb ladders when assembling parts.
***Physical strength*.** Assemblers and fabricators must be able to lift heavy components or pieces of machinery.
***Technical skills*.** Assemblers and fabricators must understand technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics for manufacturing a range of products and machines.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Assemblers and FabricatorsMedian annual wages, May 2023Total, all occupations$48,060  Production occupations$43,630  Assemblers and fabricators$39,720Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for assemblers and fabricators was $39,720 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,410, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $61,140.

			
                    	Median annual wages for assemblers and fabricators in May 2023 were as follows:
        Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
		$61,240Engine and other machine assemblers
		50,270Timing device assemblers and adjusters
		48,840Structural metal fabricators and fitters
		48,480Coil winders, tapers, and finishers
		44,890Electrical, electronic, and electromechanical assemblers, except coil winders, tapers, and finishers
		40,490Fiberglass laminators and fabricators
		40,200Miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators
		38,920In May 2023, the median annual wages for assemblers and fabricators in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Transportation equipment manufacturing
                $46,800Machinery manufacturing
                44,160Fabricated metal product manufacturing
                41,460Computer and electronic product manufacturing
                39,310Temporary help services
                34,980Wages vary by industry, geographic region, skill, education level, and complexity of the machinery operated.
Most assemblers and fabricators work full time, and some work evenings and weekends.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Assemblers and FabricatorsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Total, all occupations3%  Production occupations-3%  Assemblers and fabricators-6%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of assemblers and fabricators is projected to decline				 6 percent from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite declining  employment, about 188,600 openings for assemblers and fabricators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Projected employment of assemblers and fabricators varies by occupation (see table).
In general, employment of assemblers and fabricators is projected to decline or have limited growth because many manufacturing sectors are expected to become more efficient and able to produce more with fewer workers.
In most manufacturing industries, improved processes, tools, and automation will reduce job growth. Increasingly, new advances in robotics have enabled machinery to perform more complex and delicate tasks previously performed by workers. In addition, assemblers and fabricators are increasing efficiency by working alongside robots, also known as “collaborative robotics,” which may reduce the demand for some assemblers and fabricators.
Changes in the cost of operations both in the United States and abroad may encourage some manufacturers to bring back production that was previously sent offshore. However, because new facilities in the United States likely will incorporate more automation technologies, they may require less labor overall and may require workers to have high-level skills.
			

                        Employment projections data for     assemblers and fabricators, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Assemblers and fabricators**
			—
			1,961,900
			1,836,200
			-6
			-125,700
			—**Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers**
			51-2011
			33,900
			28,800
			-15
			-5,100
			Get data**Coil winders, tapers, and finishers**
			51-2021
			11,100
			9,300
			-17
			-1,800
			Get data**Electrical, electronic, and electromechanical assemblers, except coil winders, tapers, and finishers**
			51-2028
			282,900
			295,600
			4
			12,700
			Get data**Engine and other machine assemblers**
			51-2031
			50,900
			41,300
			-19
			-9,600
			Get data**Structural metal fabricators and fitters**
			51-2041
			59,600
			49,800
			-16
			-9,800
			Get data**Fiberglass laminators and fabricators**
			51-2051
			22,600
			22,500
			0
			-100
			Get data**Timing device assemblers and adjusters**
			51-2061
			400
			300
			-19
			-100
			Get data**Miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators**
			51-2090
			1,500,400
			1,388,600
			-7
			-111,800
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
					Coil winders, tapers, and finishers
					Electrical, electronic, and electromechanical assemblers, except coil winders, tapers, and finishers
					Engine and other machine assemblers
					Fiberglass laminators and fabricators
					Miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators
					Structural metal fabricators and fitters
					Timing device assemblers and adjusters **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of assemblers and fabricators. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Boilermakers**
            Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $71,140**Calibration Technologists and Technicians**
            Calibration technologists and technicians inspect, adjust, and test measurement devices against standards, such as those used in manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries.
            Associate's degree
            $62,790**Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights**
            Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights install, maintain, and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $61,170**Metal and Plastic Machine Workers**
            Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces.
            See How to Become One
            $44,880**Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers**
            Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join, repair, or cut metal parts and products.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $48,940**Sheet Metal Workers**
            Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $58,780**Ironworkers**
            Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $60,780
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about assemblers and fabricators, including certification, training, and professional development, visit
Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International
For information about careers in manufacturing, visit
Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs
For information about certifications in electronics soldering, visit:
Association Connecting Electronics Industries
CareerOneStop
For a career video on aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers, visit:
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
For a career video on structural metal fabricators and fitters, visit
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems AssemblersAssemblers and Fabricators, All OtherCoil Winders, Tapers, and FinishersElectrical and Electronic Equipment AssemblersElectromechanical Equipment AssemblersEngine and Other Machine AssemblersFiberglass Laminators and FabricatorsStructural Metal Fabricators and FittersTeam AssemblersTiming Device Assemblers and Adjusters
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Assemblers and Fabricators, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/assemblers-and-fabricators.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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