Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
51
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers is a notable career in the 51 category. This page provides verified data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0 (2024), helping you compare Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers against similar careers and make data-driven decisions.
Live DataLast updated: ·Source: BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
onet code
51-2011.00
description
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.
job zone
2
major group
51
tot emp
32,890
a mean
66,510
a median
61,680
a pct10
46,040
a pct25
53,180
a pct75
75,240
a pct90
94,950
h mean
31
h median
29
Typical Tasks for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
The day-to-day work of a aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers typically centers on assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps. Every task listed below is classified as Core in O*NET — they collectively define the role. Task descriptions below are quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET 29.0 occupation profile.
Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps.Core
Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.Core
Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.Core
Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment.Core
Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation.Core
Cut, trim, file, bend, or smooth parts to ensure proper fit and clearance.Core
Fabricate parts needed for assembly or installation, using shop machinery or equipment.Core
Layout and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts or components, using jigs, templates, or measuring and marking instruments.Core
Top Skills for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Workers in this occupation rely most on Quality Control Analysis, Active Listening, and Critical Thinking. Across the top 10 skills, the average O*NET importance score is 3.07 out of 5 — moderately weighted for this role. Importance reflects how essential each skill is for adequate job performance.
Quality Control Analysis
3.38
Active Listening
3.12
Critical Thinking
3.12
Monitoring
3.12
Reading Comprehension
3.00
Speaking
3.00
Equipment Maintenance
3.00
Judgment and Decision Making
3.00
Time Management
3.00
Complex Problem Solving
3.00
Education & Entry Qualifications
Among working aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers, the most common entry qualification is a High School Diploma (54.8%). Bachelor's-degree-or-higher credentials are reported by 16% of incumbents. Most workers enter without a four-year degree, making this a relatively accessible career path.
High School Diploma
54.8%
Post
15.7%
Bachelor's Degree
15.7%
Associate's Degree (or other 2
10.0%
Less than a High School Diploma
3.2%
Salary by State — Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Median annual pay is highest in Washington at $93,550 and lowest in Arkansas at $40,690 — a 2.3× spread. The top five states (Washington, Connecticut, Texas, Pennsylvania, Colorado) average $80,752. Figures reflect BLS OEWS May 2024 state-level wage estimates; percentiles shown are for full-time wage-earners in each state.
State
Median
Mean
10th %
90th %
Employed
Washington
$93,550
$78,990
$53,520
$101,530
4,760
Connecticut
$82,280
$88,710
$51,880
$137,090
240
Texas
$81,130
$70,870
$46,540
$97,370
3,260
Pennsylvania
$78,570
$76,720
$38,680
$108,770
1,140
Colorado
$68,230
$67,420
$39,740
$99,470
170
Arizona
$66,930
$66,270
$45,990
$83,270
640
Georgia
$65,580
$65,120
$41,620
$86,710
3,030
Missouri
$64,360
$63,700
$38,720
$97,730
380
Florida
$62,770
$62,220
$39,360
$85,680
1,330
Alabama
$62,010
$63,980
$46,610
$85,020
780
Utah
$59,810
$57,730
$48,430
$73,900
240
Tennessee
$59,070
$56,030
$31,200
$79,380
50
Kansas
$57,970
$64,300
$50,810
$75,010
10,470
California
$56,160
$59,640
$43,670
$84,750
1,720
Ohio
$55,540
$54,890
$41,620
$69,460
30
Oregon
$55,150
$64,860
$44,020
$94,950
560
Michigan
$55,070
$59,810
$45,460
$77,290
210
Virginia
$52,420
$58,740
$45,910
$74,360
40
North Carolina
$51,440
$55,620
$49,190
$67,860
660
Idaho
$51,210
$57,770
$42,510
$80,510
130
Mississippi
$49,710
$54,870
$49,280
$67,200
70
New York
$48,010
$46,930
$31,420
$60,660
260
Oklahoma
$45,840
$50,660
$36,510
$73,450
280
Arkansas
$40,690
$47,780
$34,250
$66,850
580
Also Known As
Recruiters and job boards use several alternate titles for aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers. Knowing these variants widens your job search — listings for A&P Technician (Airframe and Powerplant Technician) or Aerospace Assembler frequently describe the same role. The list below is a sample of the most common industry variants.
A&P Technician (Airframe and Powerplant Technician)Aerospace AssemblerAircraft De-Icer InstallerAircraft Fuselage FramerAircraft Layout WorkerAircraft Line AssemblerAircraft Part AssemblerAircraft Parts AssemblerAircraft Powerplant RepairerAircraft RiveterAircraft Sheet Metal MechanicAircraft Structure AssemblerAircraft Structures and Surfaces AssemblerArmament Aircraft MechanicAssembler
💡 Why it matters: Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
This data helps you understand how Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers compares to others in the 51 category. Use it to make informed decisions based on verified data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0.
Key Takeaways
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers has a job zone of 2.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers has a tot emp of 32,890.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers has a a mean of 66,510.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers has a a median of 61,680.
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The CertifyWize editorial team aggregates and verifies careers data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0. Every statistic on this site is cross-referenced against the official source before publication, with quarterly re-verification cycles.
✓ Sourced from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0✓ Quarterly review✓ No paid placements
What is Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers?
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers is a career in the 51 category tracked in our database with detailed statistics and comparisons. Data is sourced from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0 (2024).
Where does the data for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers come from?
All data for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers is sourced from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0 (2024). We verify and cross-reference data to ensure accuracy. Our methodology page explains how we process and validate the data.
What is the job zone of Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers?
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers has a job zone of 2. This metric is one of the key data points tracked for careers in our database. Use our comparison tool to see how this compares to similar careers.
How does the tot emp of Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers compare to average?
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers has a tot emp of 32,890. To see how this compares, visit our rankings page or use the comparison tool to compare Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers against similar careers.
How does Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers compare to other careers?
You can compare Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers with similar careers using our side-by-side comparison tool. Check the "Similar careers" section on this page for the closest matches based on data values, or visit the compare page for a full analysis.
What other careers are in the 51 category?
There are multiple careers in the 51 category. See the "Related careers" section below for others in the same category, or use the search to browse all 51 careers.