Careers · Production

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers

Engine and other machine assemblers construct, assemble, or rebuild machines such as engines, turbines, and industrial equipment. They work in manufacturing facilities, assembly plants, and service centers across construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing industries. The work involves reading blueprints, using hand and power tools, and ensuring components fit and function correctly.

$53,710median pay, U.S., per year

$45,230–$74,920middle half earn

34Kemployed in the U.S.

High school diplomatypical education · 7% hold a bachelor’s or higher

LowAI exposure · AI tools touch only a small share of this work.

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against engine and other machine assemblers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.

Find out in 15 minutes See openings

A day in the work

A typical week involves examining blueprints and technical specifications, then using hand tools and power tools to assemble or reassemble machine parts. Assemblers fit components together, align parts, and test equipment to verify proper function. Work may include disassembling machines for repair or rebuilding. Tasks require attention to detail, careful measurement, and coordination with coworkers, often in a factory or plant setting.

Who this work suits

Realistic

100Conventional

56Investigative

28Artistic

4Enterprising

1Social

Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You'd do well in this work if you prefer hands-on tasks and problem-solving with concrete, physical results. You likely appreciate following established procedures and detailed specifications, and you're comfortable working methodically with tools and machinery in a structured manufacturing environment.

What it takes

Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.

Skills that matter most

Operations MonitoringReading ComprehensionQuality Control AnalysisActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingMonitoringSocial Perceptiveness

Knowledge areas

MechanicalProduction and ProcessingCustomer and Personal ServiceEngineering and TechnologyMathematics (knowledge)Public Safety and Security

Pay by state

State	25th pct	Median	75th pct	Employed
Ohio	$61,680	$74,750	$79,320	3,430
Washington	$57,760	$72,800	$104,470	370
New Hampshire	$60,140	$70,150	$79,620	160
Oregon	$54,860	$63,420	$66,320	110
Connecticut	$49,120	$61,320	$80,400	170
Michigan	$44,630	$60,950	$75,770	5,030
Minnesota	$45,800	$58,820	$70,260	270
Arkansas	$49,170	$54,620	$60,590	70
Idaho	$49,390	$54,240	$63,560	70
Wisconsin	$47,440	$54,240	$60,010	860
Arizona	$45,850	$54,100	$58,990	80
Florida	$45,700	$52,660	$62,510	800

All 35 states

Training

Local training programs Certifications Licenses in your state Apprenticeships

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Job titles in this occupation

Machine Builder Door Assembler

Related occupations

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters Team Assemblers

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against engine and other machine assemblers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.

Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 51-2031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.