CareerGPS

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Summary Occupational Forecast Data for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Employment Employment Change Average Annual Job Openings Wage & Training Levels
2020 2025 Numerical Percent New Jobs Replacement Jobs Total Median Hourly Median Annual Training Levels
60 78 18 30.20% 4 9 13 $31.41 $65,333 High school diploma or equivalent
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.
Forecast Data Source: EMSI (4th Quarter 2023)

Occupation Details

The information in this section represents occupational characteristics included in O*NET which defines key features of an occupation as a standardized, measurable set of variables called "descriptors". These distinguishing characteristics of an occupation are described in greater detail in the O*NET Content Model. All items are listed in descending order of importance.

  • Align and fit structural assemblies manually, or signal crane operators to position assemblies for joining.
  • Assemble and fit prefabricated parts to form subassemblies.
  • Assemble, install, and connect parts, fittings, and assemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, and fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, and clamps.
  • Position and align subassemblies in jigs or fixtures, using measuring instruments and following blueprint lines and index points.
  • Cut, trim, file, bend, and smooth parts, and verify sizes and fitting tolerances in order to ensure proper fit and clearance of parts.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, illustrations, and specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities and relationships of parts.
  • Align, fit, assemble, connect, and install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, and power tools.
  • Join structural assemblies such as wings, tails, and fuselage.
  • Lay out and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts and components, using jigs, templates, and measuring and marking instruments.
  • Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts and assemblies to eliminate malfunctions and to ensure proper operation.
  • Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components and subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.
  • Inspect and test installed units, parts, systems, and assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, and compliance with standards, using measuring instruments and test equipment.
  • Fit and fasten sheet metal coverings to surface areas and other sections of aircraft prior to welding or riveting.
  • Clean, oil, and/or coat system components as necessary before assembling and attaching them.

Knowledge

67%
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
51%
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Skills

62%
Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
60%
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
56%
Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
56%
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
56%
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
56%
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
53%
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
53%
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
53%
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.
50%
Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
50%
Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
50%
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Abilities

69%
Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
62%
Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
62%
Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
62%
Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
60%
Far Vision - The ability to see details at a distance.
60%
Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
60%
Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
56%
Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
56%
Multilimb Coordination - The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
56%
Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
56%
Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
56%
Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
53%
Depth Perception - The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
53%
Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
50%
Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
50%
Auditory Attention - The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
50%
Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
50%
Visual Color Discrimination - The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
50%
Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
50%
Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
50%
Extent Flexibility - The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
50%
Trunk Strength - The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
50%
Perceptual Speed - The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes compa
50%
Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Work Activities

85%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
72%
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
70%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
70%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
70%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
65%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
61%
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
61%
Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
60%
Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
57%
Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
56%
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
54%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
53%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
52%
Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
52%
Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
52%
Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
51%
Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Title Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Overall Experience Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job Training Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, physical therapist aides, salespersons (retail), and tellers.
Education These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Interests

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outsi

Work Styles

Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Work Values

Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.