How to become an 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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers do

• Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.
• Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment.
• Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps.
• Mark identifying information on tubing or cable assemblies, using etching devices, labels, rubber stamps, or other methods.
• Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation.
• Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.

Skills that matter most

• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Reading Comprehension
• Speaking
• Active Learning
• Writing
• Learning Strategies

Is aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 28% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Washington $110,470
• Pennsylvania $81,680
• Connecticut $78,630
• Texas $76,640
• Arizona $73,930

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.