Assemblers & Fabricators

Written By Keandra Wilson

1. OVERVIEW

Assemblers and fabricators are essential to the manufacturing process, responsible for putting together finished products or the individual components that go into them. From aircraft and electronics to metalwork and medical devices, these professionals play a hands-on role in making things work.

2024 Median Pay: $43,570/year ($20.95/hour)
Job Growth (2023–2033): 0% (little or no change)
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent

2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL

ENTRY LEVEL

Job Titles: Assembler, Production Line Worker, Fabricator Assistant
Education: High school diploma or GED
Experience: 0–2 years; on-the-job training
Certifications (Optional): OSHA 10/30, IPC Soldering Certification, Forklift License
Core Duties:

  • Read blueprints and schematics

  • Assemble components using hand/power tools

  • Inspect parts for defects

  • Clean and maintain workstations

  • Operate basic machinery under supervision

Salary Range: $32,000–$45,000

MID LEVEL

Job Titles: Skilled Assembler, CNC Operator, Production Technician
Education: High school diploma + employer-sponsored training or associate’s degree
Experience: 3–6 years
Certifications (Recommended): FMA Fabrication Certification, IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies), Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Core Duties:

  • Operate CNC and advanced fabrication equipment

  • Conduct precision measurements and testing

  • Supervise quality control processes

  • Mentor junior team members

  • Troubleshoot production issues

Salary Range: $45,000–$60,000

SENIOR LEVEL

Job Titles: Master Fabricator, Production Supervisor, Assembly Team Lead
Education: High school diploma + extensive experience; associate’s or bachelor’s a plus
Experience: 7+ years; leadership experience preferred
Certifications (Preferred): IPC-7711/7721 Rework/Repair Cert, AWS Welding Certification, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Core Duties:

  • Lead teams and production lines

  • Ensure compliance with safety and manufacturing standards

  • Interface with engineers/designers to improve efficiency

  • Oversee equipment maintenance

  • Develop SOPs and training plans

Salary Range: $60,000–$80,000+

3. HOW TO BECOME ONE

  • Education: High school diploma or GED

  • Training: On-the-job training, employer-sponsored certifications, technical school

  • Experience: Internships, apprenticeships, hands-on fabrication projects

  • Certifications: IPC, FMA, AWS, OSHA

4. SKILLS & TOOLS

Core Skills:

  • Dexterity & hand-eye coordination

  • Ability to read schematics and blueprints

  • Mechanical and technical aptitude

  • Physical stamina and strength

  • Attention to detail

Tools & Equipment:

  • Hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers)

  • Soldering irons and welding equipment

  • CNC machines

  • Calipers, micrometers, measuring tape

  • Hoists and pneumatic tools

5. WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Factories, warehouses, and manufacturing plants

  • May involve standing, bending, lifting, or climbing

  • Shift work including evenings/weekends

  • Safety equipment like goggles, gloves, and steel-toe boots required

6. JOB OUTLOOK

  • Little or no change expected in employment

  • However, over 209,800 openings per year expected due to workforce turnover

  • Demand remains steady in aerospace, electronics, and industrial machinery sectors

  • Robotics and automation increasing the need for technical upskilling

7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS

Role: Boilermakers | Salary: $73,340 | Education Level: High school diploma

Role: Machinery Mechanics | Salary: $63,510 | Education Level: High school diploma

Role: Sheet Metal Workers | Salary: $60,850 | Education Level: High school diploma

Role: Ironworkers | Salary: $61,940 | Education Level: High school diploma

Role: Welders & Cutters | Salary: $51,000 | Education Level: High school diploma

8. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & ADVANCEMENT

Certifying Organizations:

  • Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA)

  • Association Connecting Electronics Industries (IPC)

  • American Welding Society (AWS)

Courses:

  • FMA Online Training (https://fmanet.org/)

  • IPC Soldering Workshops (https://www.ipc.org/)

  • OSHA Safety Training (https://www.osha.gov/training)

  • Coursera: Industrial Maintenance and Mechatronics Basics

Books:

  • "Machining Fundamentals" by John R. Walker

  • "Welding Skills" by B.J. Moniz

  • "Industrial Safety and Health Management" by C. Ray Asfahl

YouTube Channels:

  • NYCCNC (CNC machining and fabrication)

  • Welding Tips and Tricks

  • Practical Engineering

  • The Fabrication Series

Communities:

  • Reddit: r/Manufacturing, r/SkilledTrades

  • PracticalMachinist.com

  • TradeSchoolCareers.com

  • LinkedIn Groups: Manufacturing Talk, Industrial Maintenance Pros

9. REGIONAL DATA & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS

  • BLS Assemblers Overview

  • Projections Central – Job Growth by State

  • CareerOneStop – Salary by ZIP

Keandra Wilson
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