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.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
SOC: 51-2011 O*NET: 51-2011.00
Median Salary
$61,680
per year
Job Growth
📉 -14.5%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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.
What does a Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$46,040
10th percentile
Early Career
$53,180
25th percentile
Median
$61,680
50th percentile
Experienced
$75,240
75th percentile
Top Earners
$94,950
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$46,040
25th
$53,180
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$61,680
Mean: $66,510
75th
$75,240
90th
$94,950
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $48,910 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $53,180 and $75,240
- •Salary spread is 35.8% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 32,890 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:33,600
Top Industries
Manufacturing91.3%
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing91.3%
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing91.2%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-14.5%
Annual Openings:2,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)33,600
Current
2034 (Projected)28,700
-14.5%
-4,900
Employment Change
-14.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 24 locations
Kansas
10,470 jobs$57,97034.31x
Washington
4,760 jobs$93,5506.30x
Texas
3,260 jobs$81,1301.10x
Georgia
3,030 jobs$65,5802.93x
California
1,720 jobs$56,1600.45x
Florida
1,330 jobs$62,7700.64x
Pennsylvania
1,140 jobs$78,5700.89x
Alabama
780 jobs$62,0101.75x
North Carolina
660 jobs$51,4400.63x
Arizona
640 jobs$66,9300.95x
Arkansas
580 jobs$40,6902.10x
Oregon
560 jobs$55,1501.32x
Missouri
380 jobs$64,3600.62x
Oklahoma
280 jobs$45,8400.78x
New York
260 jobs$48,0100.13x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Quality Control Analysis
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Monitoring
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Equipment Maintenance
74%
#6
Time Management
66%
#7
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
#8
Speaking
54%
#9
Complex Problem Solving
46%
#10
Reading Comprehension
40%
Skills Overview
Quality Control Analysis
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Equipment Maintenance
intermediate3.7
74%
Time Management
intermediate3.3
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.0
60%
Speaking
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Quality Control Analysis
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers73%
5 shared skills
Upholsterers73%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Inspectors67%
5 shared skills
Air Traffic Controllers67%
5 shared skills
Anesthesiologists67%
5 shared skills
Quality Control Systems Managers67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Time Management
- →Speaking
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Quality Control Analysis
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Quality Control Analysis
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Equipment Maintenance
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (19)Operations & Execution (2)
1
Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Position and align subassemblies in jigs or fixtures, using measuring instruments and following blueprint lines and index points.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Align, fit, assemble, connect, or install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, or power tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Join structural assemblies, such as wings, tails, or fuselage.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Layout and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts or components, using jigs, templates, or measuring and marking instruments.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution82% perform88%
8
Fit and fasten sheet metal coverings to surface areas or other sections of aircraft prior to welding or riveting.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Clean, oil, or coat system components, as necessary, before assembly or attachment.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Set, align, adjust, or synchronize aircraft armament or rigging or control system components to established tolerances or requirements, using sighting devices and hand tools.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.85
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.65
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.63
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.32
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.23
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.12
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.8
Integrity
4.7
Dependability
4.6
Cooperation
4.3
Initiative
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Achievement/Effort
4.1
Self-Control
3.9
Independence
3.9
Persistence
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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