What does an Assembler do?

Assemblers are highly technical workers with strong engineering backgrounds who receive and conceptualize designs to create a physical model of the desired product. This hands-on role requires workers to understand and utilize complex designs and follow specific design specifications to ensure a product is designed effectively. Many assemblers work in the aerospace industry, although any industry that requires the production of physical products may require and hire assemblers.

Assemblers require a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a G.E.D.) at a minimum. A Bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering may be preferred for some positions. As this role requires the use of different mechanical equipment, different certificates will be required for most assembler roles. Such certificates can often be obtained through specialized training schools. Assemblers may also need a security clearance to work on government contracts.

What responsibilities are common for Assembler jobs?
  • Receive, read, and understand complex design specifications
  • Collaborate with team members to ensure proper delineation of production roles
  • Assemble various parts and products based on physical and digital designs
  • Operate design machinery and modify machinery settings as needed to meet design specifications
  • Operate power tools and other heavy machinery while following strict safety guidelines
  • Communicate with engineers and design staff to ensure consistency and troubleshoot any issues with designs or production
  • Quickly and effectively detect malfunctions with machinery and inform managers or upper-level staff of issues as they arise
  • Travel to different locations to work with various teams and engineering staff when necessary
What are the typical qualifications for Assembler jobs?
  • Post-secondary degrees, including Associate's or Bachelor's, may be necessary or preferred
  • Additional certifications for industry-specific machinery may be necessary
  • 0-6 years of experience, depending on previous education and current skills
  • Experience working with computer-aided drafting (CAD) software
  • Ability to read and interpret drawings and designs
  • Proven knowledge and experience using drafting tools and machinery
  • Safety-conscious with an extreme respect for established safety guidelines and rules
  • Experience with or willingness to learn production tools and methods
  • Significant mechanical skills and proven attention to detail
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.2 ★
Salary Range--
Career Opportunity
3.0 ★
Avg. Experience8+ years

Assembler Salaries near Canada

Average Base Pay

$39,873 /yr
Not including cash compensation
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Glassdoor Estimated Salary

Assembler Career Path

Learn how to become an Assembler, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Assembler

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
29%
2 - 4
22%
5 - 7
3%
8+
46%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Assembler Insights

Read what Assembler professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
MedtronicMedtronic
Assembler I
Oct 1, 2022

“If you desperately need an income source its a good choice because tge acceptance rate is high”

EpirocEpiroc
Assembly Technician
Jun 8, 2023

“Good career growth giving promotion if you are performing well they are really observing each and every employee”

eTeameTeam
Electronics Assembler
May 30, 2023

“Was a great opportunity for me to learn and do something new in my career.”

Alcatel Submarine NetworksAlcatel Submarine Networks
Assembly Operative
Jul 22, 2021

“High turnover rate which probably isn't good if you want a long term career.”

Ross DisplayRoss Display
Assembler I
Jul 30, 2021

“It is a small company in Seattle so not much room for growth career wise.”

Rocket PharmaRocket Pharma
Manufacturing Technician II
Nov 17, 2021

“Well you have to leave 4 hours early today because there's no overtime allowed.”

Volvo GroupVolvo Group
Assembly Technician
Dec 18, 2022

“Volvo gives a great opportunity to start a career with very little or no education.”

Parker MeggittParker Meggitt
Production Assembler
Feb 24, 2022

“the pay was decent for the town its in but not for the job itself.”

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Assembler Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of an Assembler

The most similar professions to Assembler are:
  • Warehouse Worker
  • Material Handler
  • Forklift Operator
  • Packer

Related Careers

Warehouse Worker
$38,055
No skills overlap
Material Handler
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Forklift Operator
$42,342
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Packer
$37,416
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Assembler jobs