Find Trade Colleges

Study Area & Zipcode

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler

Find Schools Near

Life As an Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler

Aircraft Structure Assembler Example 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.

A Day in the Life of an Aircraft Structure Assembler

  • Set up or operate machines or systems to crimp, cut, bend, form, swage, flare, bead, burr, or straighten tubing, according to specifications.
  • Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.
  • Fabricate parts needed for assembly or installation, using shop machinery or equipment.
  • Assemble prototypes or integrated-technology demonstrators of new or emerging environmental technologies for aircraft.
  • Capture or segregate waste material, such as aluminum swarf, machine cutting fluid, or solvents, for recycling or environmentally responsible disposal.
  • Swage fittings onto cables, using swaging machines.

What an Aircraft Structure Assembler Should Know

Below is a list of the skills most Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers say are important on the job.

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.

  • Manifold Builder
  • Sheet Metal Assembler and Riveter (SMAR)
  • Metal Fitter
  • Aircraft Part Assembler
  • Structures Technician

Aircraft Structure Assembler Job Outlook

In the United States, there were 41,800 jobs for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler. The BLS estimates 3,200 yearly job openings in this field.

undefined

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.

Average Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Salary

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

undefined

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 each U.S. state?

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

What Tools do Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Use?

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

How do I Become an Aircraft Structure Assembler?

Individuals working as an Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler have obtained the following education levels:

undefined

What work experience do I need to become an Aircraft Structure Assembler?

undefined

Where Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Are Employed

undefined

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

undefined

Those thinking about becoming an Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler might also be interested in the following careers:

References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.