What Does an Engine Assembler Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does an engine assembler do?

Engine and other machine assemblers construct, assemble or rebuild machines such as engines, turbines and similar equipment. The median pay is $53,710 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few months on the job, and employment is projected to grow -17.0% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$53,710
$25.82/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-17.0%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
2,100
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
A few months on the job
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
33,500
Employment, 2025

What engine assemblers do

Engine assemblers put together engines and machines. They read blueprints, fit and fasten precision parts, torque bolts to spec, install gears, pistons and bearings, and test assembled units.

A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. BLS projects a steep decline as engine production changes.

Typical duties

Read blueprints
Fit precision parts
Torque fasteners
Install bearings and gears
Measure clearances
Test engines
Inspect work

Work environment and schedule

Assemblers work in engine and equipment plants.

Schedule: Full time, often shifts.

A day in the life

6:00 AMReview build sheets.
6:30 AMInstall crankshaft bearings.
8:30 AMMeasure clearances.
10:30 AMInstall pistons.

See a full day in the life of an engine assembler →

Engine Assembler salary

Half of engine assemblers earned more than $53,710 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $38,500 for the lowest 10% to $77,750 for the top 10%.

$38,50010th$53,710Median$77,75090th

Full engine assembler pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an engine assembler

Finish high school
Learn mechanics
Get hired
Learn the build
Advance

A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an engine assembler →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Blueprint reading
Precision measurement
Torque procedures
Mechanical assembly
Testing

People skills

Attention to detail
Patience
Teamwork
Reliability

All engine assembler skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Precision mechanical work
Good pay
No degree needed
Union jobs common

Cons

Steep decline
Repetitive
Heavy parts
Shift work

Certifications and licenses

Manufacturing certificate: Community college.
Precision measurement course: Helpful.
OSHA 10: Safety.
Forklift certification: Helpful.

Career path

Assembler: Entry.
Senior Assembler: Complex builds.
Test Technician: Testing.
Production Lead: Lead.

Learn the job before day one

Our Engine Assembler training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as torque cylinder head bolts in sequence and measure bearing clearance, safety and how to land your first job.

View Engine Assembler training Is this career right for me?

Production Assembler

Put together products and components on factory lines, following precise instructions.

$44,650
1 day to 1 month on the job

Diesel Mechanic

Diagnose and repair trucks, buses and diesel-powered equipment.

$61,770
6–24 months

CNC Machinist

Set up and run computer-controlled machines that cut precision metal parts.

$58,750
6–24 months

Aircraft Assembler

Build airplane structures, wings and systems to precise specifications.

$65,380
Several months of training

Compare: Engine Assembler vs. Production Assembler · Engine Assembler vs. Diesel Mechanic · Engine Assembler vs. CNC Machinist · Engine Assembler vs. Aircraft Assembler

Engine Assembler FAQ

Do I need a degree?

No.

Is the job declining?

BLS projects a steep decline.

What skills transfer?

Mechanical skills transfer to maintenance and repair.

How much does an engine assembler make?

The median annual wage for engine assemblers was $53,710 ($25.82 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,500 and the highest 10% earned more than $77,750.

How long does it take to become an engine assembler?

Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.

Do you need a degree to be an engine assembler?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-2031 (Engine and other machine assemblers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Engine and other machine 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.

Engine Assembler