Production
Engine and other machine assemblers
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
Median pay
$53,710
Growth to 2035
−17%
declining
Openings a year
2,100
Time to qualify*
6 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Engine and other machine assemblers
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to engine and other machine assemblers
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Engine and other machine assemblers: 39% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Read and interpret assembly blueprints or specifications manuals, and plan assembly or building operations.
- Inspect, operate, and test completed products to verify functioning, machine capabilities, or conformance to customer specifications.
- Position or align components for assembly, manually or using hoists.
- Set and verify parts clearances.
- Verify conformance of parts to stock lists or blueprints, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
- Fasten or install piping, fixtures, or wiring and electrical components to form assemblies or subassemblies, using hand tools, rivet guns, or welding equipment.
- Remove rough spots and smooth surfaces to fit, trim, or clean parts, using hand tools or power tools.
- Lay out and drill, ream, tap, or cut parts for assembly.
Also called: Assembler · Assembly Line Worker · Cell Technician · Engine Assembler · Engine Builder · Field Service Technician · Fitter · Large Engine Assembler
Outlook and AI
Engine and other machine assemblers held 33,500 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 27,800 by 2035 (−17%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Productivity change - share decreases as an expected increase in the use of collaborative robotics in production increases efficiency, allowing more output to be produced with the same amount of labor.
Compare with
- Engine and other machine assemblers vs. Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
- Engine and other machine assemblers vs. Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers
- Engine and other machine assemblers vs. Industrial machinery mechanic
- Engine and other machine assemblers vs. Rail car repairer
- Engine and other machine assemblers vs. Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
- Engine and other machine assemblers vs. Millwright
- Engine and other machine assemblers vs. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
- Engine and other machine assemblers vs. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists