What Does it Take to Be an Engine or Machine Assembler?
Job Description: Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
Life As an Engine or Machine Assembler: What Do They Do?
- Fasten or install piping, fixtures, or wiring and electrical components to form assemblies or subassemblies, using hand tools, rivet guns, or welding equipment.
- Set up and operate metalworking machines, such as milling or grinding machines, to shape or fabricate parts.
- Position or align components for assembly, manually or using hoists.
- Verify conformance of parts to stock lists or blueprints, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
- Set and verify parts clearances.
- Remove rough spots and smooth surfaces to fit, trim, or clean parts, using hand tools or power tools.
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Qualities of an Engine or Machine Assembler
When polled, Engine and Machine Assemblers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Machine Builder
- Blower and Compressor Assembler
- Engine Builder
- Automotive Production Worker
- Bearing Ring Assembler
Job Opportunities for Engine and Machine Assemblers
There were about 38,000 jobs for Engine or Machine Assembler in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Engine or Machine Assembler. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,800 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Engine or Machine Assembler are Texas, Alabama, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in Virginia, Vermont, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Engine or Machine Assembler Salary
The typical yearly salary for Engine and Machine Assemblers is somewhere between $28,590 and $63,170.

Engine and Machine Assemblers who work in New York, Nevada, or Michigan, make the highest salaries.
How much do Engine and Machine Assemblers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $49,550 |
Arizona | $45,510 |
California | $40,860 |
Colorado | $36,460 |
Connecticut | $50,380 |
Florida | $41,710 |
Georgia | $35,160 |
Illinois | $40,580 |
Iowa | $39,300 |
Kansas | $35,980 |
Louisiana | $45,770 |
Massachusetts | $52,360 |
Michigan | $51,020 |
Mississippi | $41,870 |
Missouri | $38,580 |
Nebraska | $46,590 |
Nevada | $49,600 |
New Hampshire | $37,060 |
New Jersey | $40,450 |
New York | $51,360 |
North Carolina | $39,510 |
North Dakota | $34,090 |
Ohio | $47,140 |
Oklahoma | $34,340 |
Oregon | $40,670 |
Pennsylvania | $48,090 |
South Carolina | $39,950 |
South Dakota | $35,090 |
Tennessee | $33,300 |
Texas | $37,900 |
Virginia | $32,850 |
Washington | $45,830 |
Wisconsin | $40,000 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Engine and Machine Assemblers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Engine and Machine Assemblers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
- Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
How to Become an Engine or Machine Assembler
What education is needed to be an Engine or Machine Assembler?

How Long Does it Take to Become an Engine or Machine Assembler?

Where Engine and Machine Assemblers Are Employed

Engine and Machine Assemblers work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming an Engine or Machine Assembler might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as an Engine or Machine Assembler sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
- Solderers and Brazers
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers
- Painters, Transportation Equipment
- Semiconductor Processors
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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