# Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

> 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.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/careers/aircraft-structure-surfaces-rigging-and-systems-assemblers
- SOC code: 51-2011.00
- Career family: Production
- Median annual pay: $65,380 (10th percentile $47,310, 90th percentile $107,500)
- Projected growth: Decline, -5.6%
- Openings a year: 3,100
- Typical entry education: High school diploma
- Bright outlook: no
- Data years: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections

## Interest profile (code RCI)

| Interest area | Score (0–100) |
| --- | ---: |
| Realistic (R) | 100 |
| Investigative (I) | 28 |
| Artistic (A) | 12 |
| Social (S) | 0 |
| Enterprising (E) | 6 |
| Conventional (C) | 47 |

## What you'd do

- Controlling Machines and Processes (importance 80/100)
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (importance 75/100)
- Getting Information (importance 73/100)
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (importance 72/100)
- Documenting/Recording Information (importance 71/100)
- Handling and Moving Objects (importance 70/100)
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (importance 69/100)
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (importance 69/100)
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (importance 68/100)
- Thinking Creatively (importance 68/100)

## Skills

Quality Control Analysis, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving, Equipment Maintenance, Judgment and Decision Making, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Time Management

## Knowledge

Mathematics, Education and Training, English Language, Mechanical, Production and Processing, Design, Computers and Electronics, Public Safety and Security, Engineering and Technology, Administration and Management

## Also called

Aircraft Assembler, Aircraft Fuselage Framer, Aircraft Layout Worker, Aircraft Line Assembler, Aircraft Part Assembler, Aircraft Structure Assembler, Aircraft Surface Assembler, Assembler, Assembler Technician (Assembler Tech), Assembly Riveter

## Majors that lead here (NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk, 4-digit CIP)

- [Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/4706) (CIP 4706, 713 colleges)

## Colleges with strong outcomes (College Scorecard, 2025)

| College | Program | Earnings 1 yr | Earnings 4 yrs | Median debt |
| --- | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| [Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide](https://www.collegesref.com/college/embry-riddle-aeronautical-university-worldwide-910) | Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | $77,491 | $87,797 | $21,986 |
| [SUNY Morrisville](https://www.collegesref.com/college/suny-morrisville-2657) | Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | $51,819 | $61,351 | not reported |

## Related careers

- [Engine and Other Machine Assemblers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/engine-and-other-machine-assemblers): $53,710 median pay
- [Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/structural-metal-fabricators-and-fitters): $51,330 median pay
- [Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/electromechanical-equipment-assemblers): $45,850 median pay
- [Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/electrical-and-electronic-equipment-assemblers): $45,850 median pay
- [Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/layout-workers-metal-and-plastic): $63,870 median pay
- [Avionics Technicians](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/avionics-technicians): $82,280 median pay

## Sources

- [O*NET Database](https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html), version 31.0 (CC BY 4.0)
- [BLS Employment Projections](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables.htm), version 2025-35, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm), version 2025, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk](https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/resources.aspx?y=56), version 2020, data year 2020 (Public domain (U.S. government work))

O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.