Salary guide
Aircraft Assembler Salary & Pay Scale (2026)
What aircraft assemblers earn per year, per hour and per month, with the full percentile range, the factors that move pay and how to earn more.
The median aircraft assembler salary in the U.S. is $65,380 per year, or $31.43 per hour, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for May 2025. The lowest-paid 10% earned under $47,310, while the top 10% earned more than $107,500.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
Aircraft Assembler pay scale
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly* | What it usually reflects |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,310 | $22.75 | Typical for new workers, part-time markets and lower-paying settings |
| 25th percentile | $58,600 | $28.17 | Early career, a year or two of experience |
| Median (50th) | $65,380 | $31.43 | Mid-career: half earn more, half earn less |
| 75th percentile | $83,410 | $40.10 | Experienced workers, specialists and higher-paying employers |
| 90th percentile | $107,500 | $51.68 | Top earners: senior, specialized, supervisory or high-cost areas |
*Hourly figures are annual wages divided by 2,080 hours. Percentile descriptions are general patterns, not guarantees.
Monthly and biweekly pay
| Pay period | At 25th percentile | At median | At 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per year | $58,600 | $65,380 | $83,410 |
| Per month | $4,883 | $5,448 | $6,951 |
| Every two weeks | $2,254 | $2,515 | $3,208 |
| Per week | $1,127 | $1,257 | $1,604 |
Gross pay before taxes and deductions.
What affects aircraft assembler pay
- Certifications such as ASE, FAA A&P or manufacturer credentials
- Flat-rate versus hourly pay plans in repair shops
- Industry (aerospace and utilities often pay more than general repair)
- Shift work and overtime in plants running around the clock
- Geography and cost of living: metropolitan areas and some states pay well above the national median
How to earn more as an aircraft assembler
- Get credentialed: Aerospace assembly certificate, FOD awareness training, Sealant certification.
- Build specialty experience: Complex work.
- Move up: roles such as lead and quality inspector or supervisor typically pay more.
- Negotiate: research local pay and use our salary negotiation guide.
Aircraft Assembler pay vs. related careers
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of aircraft assemblers to change by -5.6% from 2025–35, a projected decline compared with the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 3,100 openings are projected each year, on average, including openings to replace workers who retire or change occupations.
About this data
Figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey (May 2025), which covers wage and salary workers nationwide under SOC code 51-2011 (“Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers”). Wages exclude self-employment income, overtime and most bonuses unless they are part of regular pay. We refresh these numbers when BLS releases new estimates each spring.
Aircraft Assembler salary FAQ
How much does an aircraft assembler make per hour?
The median hourly wage for aircraft assemblers was $31.43 in May 2025 (BLS). Hourly pay for the lowest 10% was about $22.75 and the top 10% earned about $51.68 or more.
How much does an aircraft assembler make a month?
At the median annual wage of $65,380, that works out to about $5,448 per month before taxes, or about $2,515 every two weeks.
What is the starting salary for an aircraft assembler?
New aircraft assemblers often start near the lower end of the range. The 10th percentile was $47,310 and the 25th percentile was $58,600 per year in May 2025. Starting pay depends on location, employer and credentials.
How can aircraft assemblers earn more?
Common ways include earning Aerospace assembly certificate and FOD awareness training, gaining specialty experience, taking shifts or roles with premium pay, and moving up the career ladder to roles such as lead.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-2011 (Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.