Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
SOC: 51-2031 O*NET: 51-2031.00
Median Salary
$53,710
per year
Job Growth
📉 -21.1%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
What does a Engine and Other Machine Assemblers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$38,500
10th percentile
Early Career
$45,230
25th percentile
Median
$53,710
50th percentile
Experienced
$74,920
75th percentile
Top Earners
$77,750
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$38,500
25th
$45,230
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$53,710
Mean: $57,790
75th
$74,920
90th
$77,750
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $39,250 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $45,230 and $74,920
- •Salary spread is 55.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 34,000 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:38,400
Top Industries
Manufacturing93.6%
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing64.4%
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing56.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-21.1%
Annual Openings:2,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)38,400
Current
2034 (Projected)30,300
-21.1%
-8,100
Employment Change
-21.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Engine and Other Machine Assemblers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 36 locations
Michigan
5,030 jobs$60,9505.22x
Ohio
3,430 jobs$74,7502.83x
North Carolina
2,750 jobs$45,7502.55x
Alabama
2,520 jobs$05.45x
South Carolina
1,960 jobs$46,9503.88x
New York
1,330 jobs$46,4600.63x
Kentucky
1,180 jobs$41,5802.70x
California
1,170 jobs$46,8100.29x
Missouri
1,020 jobs$46,7201.59x
Wisconsin
860 jobs$54,2401.33x
Florida
800 jobs$52,6600.37x
Illinois
650 jobs$49,6300.48x
Mississippi
580 jobs$46,6102.28x
Virginia
570 jobs$36,0300.64x
South Dakota
550 jobs$45,9305.51x
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 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Mechanical
100%
#3
Arm-Hand Steadiness
100%
#4
Manual Dexterity
92%
#5
Reading Comprehension
90%
#6
Finger Dexterity
82%
#7
Quality Control Analysis
80%
#8
Near Vision
74%
#9
Active Listening
70%
#10
Production and Processing
70%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Mechanical
advanced5.0
100%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
advanced5.0
100%
Manual Dexterity
advanced4.6
92%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.5
90%
Finger Dexterity
intermediate4.1
82%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate4.0
80%
Near Vision
intermediate3.7
74%
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:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Mechanical
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Arm-Hand Steadiness
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Manual Dexterity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance90%
abilities
4.5/5.0
Finger Dexterity
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Near Vision
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance70%
skills
3.5/5.0
Production and Processing
intermediateImportance70%
knowledge
3.5/5.0
Visualization
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Etchers and Engravers88%
5 shared skills
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders88%
5 shared skills
Semiconductor Processing Technicians86%
5 shared skills
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders78%
5 shared skills
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders78%
5 shared skills
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic78%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Mechanical
Learn on the Job:
- →Monitoring
- →Critical Thinking
- →Visualization
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Quality Control Analysis
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Arm-Hand Steadiness
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Quality Control Analysis
- ★Mechanical
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Arm-Hand Steadiness
- ★Manual Dexterity
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 Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 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
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
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
MIXED
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡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 mixed environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
12
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations & Execution (2)General Responsibilities (8)Planning & Development (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Inspect, operate, and test completed products to verify functioning, machine capabilities, or conformance to customer specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution100% perform100%
2
Position or align components for assembly, manually or using hoists.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Set and verify parts clearances.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Rework, repair, or replace damaged parts or assemblies.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Read and interpret assembly blueprints or specifications manuals, and plan assembly or building operations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Maintain and lubricate parts or components.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Assemble systems of gears by aligning and meshing gears in gearboxes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Verify conformance of parts to stock lists or blueprints, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Fasten or install piping, fixtures, or wiring and electrical components to form assemblies or subassemblies, using hand tools, rivet guns, or welding equipment.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Remove rough spots and smooth surfaces to fit, trim, or clean parts, using hand tools or power tools.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on operations & execution activities
- •58% 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 Engine and Other Machine 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?
Engine and Other Machine 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 Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.59
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.10
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.10
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.07
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.93
Independence
ImportantIndependence
Importance Level3.90
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.6
Integrity
4.1
Cooperation
4.1
Dependability
4.1
Initiative
3.9
Independence
3.9
Innovation
3.8
Analytical Thinking
3.8
Concern for Others
3.7
Persistence
3.7
💡 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
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Engine and Other Machine Assemblers.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 50 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 3 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: MI (30) , OH (4) , SC (4) , KS (2) , AL (1)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
2.3k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
1.2k program completions/year
Tulsa Welding School-Houston
Houston, TX
1.2k program completions/year
Tulsa Welding School-Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
984 program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
891 program completions/year
SOWELA Technical Community College
Lake Charles, LA
870 program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
821 program completions/year
Refrigeration School Inc
Phoenix, AZ
781 program completions/year
Stark State College
North Canton, OH
731 program completions/year
River Parishes Community College
Gonzales, LA
695 program completions/year
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
679 program completions/year
Lee College
Baytown, TX
601 program completions/year