Assemblers and Fabricators Pay Salary

Wages vary by industry, geographic region, skill, educational level, and complexity of the machinery operated.

The median annual wage of assemblers and fabricators was $28,360 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $18,290, and the top 10 percent earned more than $47,960.

In May 2010, median annual wages for assemblers and fabricators were as follows:

• $44,820 for aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
• $36,310 for engine and other machine assemblers
• $34,530 for structural metal fabricators and fitters
• $31,640 for electromechanical equipment assemblers
• $31,250 for timing device assemblers and adjusters
• $29,100 for electrical and electronic equipment assemblers
• $28,650 for coil winders, tapers, and finishers
• $28,600 for fiberglass laminators and fabricators
• $27,180 for team assemblers
• $27,040 for assemblers and fabricators, all other

Some assemblers and fabricators are members of labor unions. These unions include the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; and the United Steelworkers of America.

Most assemblers and fabricators are employed full time, sometimes working evenings and weekends.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition