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Assembly line worker (engine and other machine assemblers): pay, job outlook and how to get in

Updated October 28, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$53,710median pay per year, or $25.82 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $38,500lowest 10% earn less
  2. $45,23025th percentile
  3. $53,710median
  4. $74,92075th percentile
  5. $77,750top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[4]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[5]

Engine and other machine assemblers, the BLS category that covers many an assembly line worker building engines and turbines, had a median pay of $53,710 a year[1]. BLS projects employment to fall 17% from 2025 to 2035, while all occupations are projected to grow 3.5%[2][3].

Job growth, 2025–35
-17%[2]
Openings per year
2,100[6]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[7]

How much do engine and other machine assemblers make?

In May 2025, the median wage was $53,710 a year, or $25.82 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $57,790 a year, or $27.78 an hour[8]. For all occupations in the US, the median annual wage was $50,980[5].

The range is fairly wide. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $38,500 a year, and the lowest-paid 25% earned less than $45,230[4]. The highest-paid 25% earned more than $74,920, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $77,750[4]. In hourly terms, the 10th percentile was $18.51 and the 90th percentile was $37.38[9].

A percentile is a boundary line. BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[10]. These figures cover wage and salary workers only. They leave out the self-employed and do not include nonproduction bonuses or the cost of benefits[11].

Measure Annual wage Source
Median[1] $53,710
Average[8] $57,790
10th percentile[4] $38,500
90th percentile[4] $77,750
All occupations, median[5] $50,980

Pay by state and city

Among the 35 states with published data, Ohio was listed first for median pay at $74,750, followed by Washington at $72,800 and New Hampshire at $70,150[12]. Michigan had the most jobs with 5,030, then Ohio with 3,430 and North Carolina with 2,750[13].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA was listed first at a median of $102,530, followed by Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN at $80,200 and Toledo, OH at $75,770[14]. The Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area had the most jobs at 3,330, with a median of $64,820[15]. Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC was next with 1,020 jobs[15].

Show median pay in 35 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
Ohio[12]$74,7503,430
Washington$72,800370
New Hampshire$70,150160
Oregon$63,420110
Connecticut$61,320170
Michigan$60,9505,030
Minnesota$58,820270
Arkansas$54,62070
Idaho$54,24070
Wisconsin$54,240860
Arizona$54,10080
Florida$52,660800
Pennsylvania$52,00090
New Jersey$50,910140
Illinois$49,630650
Nebraska$49,590110
Utah$48,730150
Texas$47,210490
South Carolina$46,9501,960
Massachusetts$46,880500
California$46,8101,170
Tennessee$46,810430
Missouri$46,7201,020
Mississippi$46,610580
New York$46,4601,330
Colorado$46,070n/a
Iowa$46,04060
South Dakota$45,930550
North Carolina$45,7502,750
Oklahoma$45,060130
Kansas$42,590n/a
Kentucky$41,5801,180
Maryland$39,12090
Georgia$38,540410
Virginia$36,030570

How to become an engine and other machine assembler

BLS lists the typical path into this occupation[7]. The Occupational Outlook Handbook profile used for the training details covers a wider group, assemblers and fabricators, so its text describes more than this one job[16].

In an ONET survey of 32 workers, 64% said a high school diploma or equivalent was the education level required, and 13% said a post-secondary certificate[19]. ONET places the job in Job Zone 1-2, which means very little to some preparation is needed[20].

Certifications can help a person move up[21]. Many employers in aerospace and defense ask electrical and electronic assembly workers for soldering certifications[22]. Experienced assemblers may advance to supervisor or manager roles[23].

What engine and other machine assemblers do

O*NET describes the work as building, assembling or rebuilding machines such as engines and turbines[24]. Common job titles include assembler, engine builder, fitter and field service technician[25]. Typical tasks include:

The wider assemblers profile also notes that workers need steady hands, basic knowledge of machinery, and the ability to lift heavy parts[27][28][29].

Where they work

The wider profile says assemblers and fabricators work in manufacturing plants, and conditions differ by plant and industry[30]. Power tools and automation have made some physically hard tasks easier, but the work can still mean long stretches of standing, sitting or working on ladders[30]. Transportation equipment manufacturing employed 25% of the group in 2025, the largest share listed[31].

The profile says the work is usually full time, and some workers work shifts that can include evenings, weekends and nights[32].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment of engine and other machine assemblers to decline 17% from 2025 to 2035, from about 33,500 to 27,800 jobs[2]. These counts include self-employed workers[2]. For all occupations, BLS projects 3.5% growth over the same years[3].

BLS still projects about 2,100 openings a year on average[6]. Openings include jobs that come open when workers retire or change occupations, not only new jobs[6]. Each year, 3.1% of workers are projected to leave the labor force and 5.5% to move to a different occupation[33].

BLS names collaborative robotics as a factor. It expects more use of these robots in production, which lets the same amount of labor produce more output[34].

Is it a good fit?

The facts point to a job with a low entry bar, since a high school diploma and on-the-job training are the typical path[7]. Median pay of $53,710 sits above the $50,980 all-occupations median[1][5]. The pay range is wide, and it varies a lot by state[4][12]. The outlook is the main caution, because BLS projects a 17% decline in employment by 2035[2]. Openings are still expected each year as workers leave or change jobs[6]. Anyone weighing this job may want to check local pay and demand, since both differ by place[12][14].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[35].

Frequently asked questions

How much does an assembly line worker who builds engines make an hour?
For engine and other machine assemblers, the median wage was $25.82 an hour in May 2025[1]. The 10th percentile was $18.51 and the 90th percentile was $37.38[9].
What education do you need to be an engine assembler?
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry education, with no related experience needed[7].
How long does it take to learn engine assembly?
BLS lists moderate-term on-the-job training[7]. The wider assemblers and fabricators profile says it lasts several months[17].
Is engine and machine assembly in demand?
BLS projects a 17% decline in employment from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% growth for all occupations[2][3]. About 2,100 openings a year are still projected[6].
Which state pays engine and other machine assemblers the most?
Ohio is listed first for median annual wage at $74,750 among states with published data[12]. Michigan has the most jobs at 5,030[13].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Engine and Other Machine Assemblers in the US was $53,710 per year and $25.82 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Engine and Other Machine Assemblers is projected to decline 17% from 2025 to 2035, from about 33,500 to 27,800 jobs (a change of -5,700). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Engine and Other Machine Assemblers: 10th percentile $38,500, 25th percentile $45,230, 75th percentile $74,920, 90th percentile $77,750. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS Employment Projections: about 2,100 openings for Engine and Other Machine Assemblers are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Engine and Other Machine Assemblers: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Engine and Other Machine Assemblers was $57,790 per year and $27.78 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Engine and Other Machine Assemblers: 10th percentile $18.51, 25th percentile $21.75, 75th percentile $36.02, 90th percentile $37.38. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. Median annual wage for Engine and Other Machine Assemblers in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Engine and Other Machine Assemblers jobs: Michigan 5,030; Ohio 3,430; North Carolina 2,750; Alabama 2,520; South Carolina 1,960. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Engine and Other Machine Assemblers (areas with at least 100 jobs): Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $102,530; Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN $80,200; Toledo, OH $75,770; Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $65,410; Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI $64,820; Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $64,240; Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $58,550; Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI $53,570. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Engine and Other Machine Assemblers jobs: Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI 3,330 (median $64,820); Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC 1,020 (median $46,950); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 660 (median $46,620); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 540 (median $49,630); Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI 460 (median $53,570); Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC 360 (median $36,030). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Assemblers and Fabricators" covers Engine and Other Machine Assemblers together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. O*NET 51-2031.00 survey of workers (32 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 64%, Post-Secondary Certificate 13%, Less than a High School Diploma 11%, Master's Degree 7% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  20. O*NET 51-2031.00: Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. O*NET OnLine
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. O*NET description of Engine and Other Machine Assemblers. O*NET OnLine
  25. O*NET 51-2031.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Assembler, Assembly Line Worker, Cell Technician, Engine Assembler, Engine Builder, Field Service Technician, Fitter, Large Engine Assembler. O*NET OnLine
  26. O*NET task list for Engine and Other Machine Assemblers. O*NET OnLine
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of assemblers and fabricators in 2025: Transportation equipment manufacturing 25%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Engine and Other Machine Assemblers: 3.1% of workers leave the labor force each year and 5.5% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  34. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Engine and Other Machine Assemblers: Productivity change - share decreases as an expected increase in the use of collaborative robotics in production increases efficiency, allowing more output to be produced with the same amount of labor. BLS Employment Projections
  35. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.