what is an assembler?

As an assembler, you work in manufacturing companies, assisting with manufacturing goods. You use your skills and knowledge to assemble various components to create a finished product. The job requires reading and interpreting blueprints to understand various components and locate the right places to attach the items. You ensure the items fit as directed to create the expected finished products. You also perform repairs and identify or report errors in the assembly line.

Assemblers rely on various basic hand tools and machinery to assemble the components of a product. After assembling the parts, you perform routine inspections to check the measurements' accuracy and ensure the finished products' quality. Knowledge and expertise in manufacturing processes help you build the machines or equipment components to the proper specifications.

Other duties you are expected to perform include conducting inventory checks to ensure the raw materials are available for manufacturing. You also clean the factory workstations after production and maintain the equipment and tools. You ensure everyone adheres to the health and safety requirements of the manufacturing process.

As an assembler, you collaborate with other employees on the production line to perform your duties. Your teamwork skills help you work well with others and communicate with various professionals.

Would working as an assembler suit your skill or interest? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an assembler role.

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average assembler salary

Would you like to know what an assembler earns? Where the highest salaries are paid to an assembler? Then check out this assembler salary page and find out all about the salary of an assembler in the USA.

The average salary of an assembler is $37,170 per year. The average hourly rate is around $17.87. In an entry-level position, you earn an average starting salary of $29,820 annually while offering temporary help services. The amount increases gradually with experience, qualifications, and industry. Aircraft assemblers lead the pack with the highest salaries averaging $49,480 yearly.

how to increase your salary

Assemblers usually work in shifts in factory environments. You earn higher hourly rates when you work late-night or early-morning shifts than assemblers working regular day shifts. Other factors that affect your earnings include full-time and part-time work schedules.

When you are new in the role, you earn an entry-level salary since you are an apprentice with minimal experience. As you gain expertise, your earnings also increase gradually. The industry and area of specialization also play a role in your earnings. For instance, motor vehicle and aircraft assemblers earn higher salaries than those in the metalwork and fabrication industries. The location and demand for the role in various locations also affect your earnings.

 

Blue-collar worker aligning something. Very focused. Caucasian man. Groomed beard. Primary color red. Secondary color cream/yellow.
Blue-collar worker aligning something. Very focused. Caucasian man. Groomed beard. Primary color red. Secondary color cream/yellow.
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types of assembler jobs

The types of assembler jobs depend on the area of specialization. Some of the types of assembler jobs include:

  • motor vehicle assemblers: As a motor vehicle assembler, you work in manufacturing industries and assemble automobiles, light trucks, and vans. Your job is to inspect or test parts and assemble the components into finished products. You also ensure proper performance and conformity to quality standards.
  • aircraft assemblers: You assemble and install prefabricated parts as an aircraft assembler. For example, you perform aircraft subassemblies like fitting the rotary wing of aircraft. Your job is to ensure adherence to engineering specifications.
  • medical equipment assembler: As a medical assembler, you assemble healthcare equipment in manufacturing settings. Your duties include assembling high-quality machines and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
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working as an assembler

Assemblers combine components and various equipment parts to create high-quality finished products. Here are the duties, tasks, and job expectations of an assembler.

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assembler skills and education

The education requirements to become an assembler in the USA include the following:

  • high school education: You need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the field of assemblers and fabricators.
  • on-the-job training: You can start your career as an assembler after completing your high school education. Most employers provide on-the-job training to prepare you for the tasks ahead.
  • certification in fabrication: If you want to improve your chances of getting work easily, consider obtaining certificates and training programs from The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA) in fabrication. While not mandatory, having these credentials will demonstrate your competence and professionalism and might help you advance in your occupation.
  • certification in soldering: Suppose you are eyeing a rewarding career in aerospace and defense industries or similar fields. In that case, it's common for employers to require certifications in soldering for electrical and electronic assembly workers. The Association Connecting Electronics Industries, also known as IPC, offers various certification programs related to electronic assembly and soldering.

skills and competencies

Here are some of the skills and competencies that you will need to work as an assembler:

  • communication skills: As an assembler, you work with a team and require communication skills to communicate well with others. Communication skills are useful for updating supervisors on the progress of the work and preparing quality reports.
  • attention to detail: As an assembler, you rely on your attention to detail to identify errors in the finished products. You ensure all components are screwed in properly and the parts fit as expected. Your detail-oriented skills help you review blueprints or instructions to ensure accurate results.
  • color vision: You must be able to distinguish different colors, as you will be working with color-coded wires while assembling electrical and electronic products.
  • time management skills: As an assembler, you require time management skills to monitor the production schedule. If one assembler is delayed, it may affect the entire production line. Time management helps you prioritize tasks and adhere to deadlines.
  • mechanical skills: You need to have a working knowledge of basic machinery, as you will be utilizing programmable motion-control devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor.
  • physical strength and stamina: You must be able to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks. In some cases, such as in the aerospace industry, you may need to bend or climb ladders frequently while assembling parts.
  • technical skills: You must possess a strong understanding of technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics. These skills are necessary for manufacturing a variety of products and machines efficiently.
  • collaboration and teamwork skills: As an assembler, you work with a team on the production line. Everyone is assigned specific duties, so your collaboration skills help you work well with others. With teamwork, the production line will operate efficiently.
Female operator reading from paper. Factory. Tech environment. Asian woman. Primary color red. Secondary colors blue and yellow.
Female operator reading from paper. Factory. Tech environment. Asian woman. Primary color red. Secondary colors blue and yellow.
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FAQs about working as an assembler

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about assemblers.

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