Engine and Other Machine Assemblers Salary 2025: $53,710 Median, -21% Job Decline
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers earn a median salary of $53,710 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $26 an hour. The middle 80% of workers earn between $38,500 and $77,750. About 34,000 people work in this occupation across the U.S.
How much Engine and Other Machine Assemblers earn
The national median wage for Engine and Other Machine Assemblers is $53,710. Mean annual pay is $57,790, or about $26 per hour. The best-paid 10% make over $77,750, while the lowest-paid 10% earn under $38,500.
Pay varies significantly by industry and employer. Those working in engine manufacturing or for government contractors generally top the scale. The largest employment sectors are engine, turbine, and power transmission equipment manufacturing.
Experience matters, but so does the specific machine complexity. Workers who can assemble powertrain components or aircraft engines tend to be at the high end.
Pay by state
Location strongly affects earnings. The highest-paying state is Ohio, where the average salary reaches $74,750. Washington follows at $72,800, then New Hampshire at $70,150. Oregon ($63,420) and Connecticut ($61,320) round out the top five.
On the lower end, Virginia pays a mean of $36,030, Georgia $38,540, and Maryland $39,120. These states have fewer heavy engine manufacturing facilities, which may explain the lower wages.
If you're willing to relocate, the Midwest and Northwest are the best bets for top pay. Ohio alone employs a significant share of the workforce due to its automotive and industrial engine sectors.
How to become Engine and Other Machine Assembler
Most entry-level positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is typical, lasting from a few weeks to several months. Some employers prefer candidates with vocational school training or an associate degree in industrial technology or mechanical engineering.
Certifications are not mandatory but can help. The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) offers a Certified Production Technician credential. Basic math, blueprint reading, and manual dexterity are essential.
Steps to enter the field:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a vocational program or associate degree (optional but advantageous).
- Apply for entry-level assembler positions, often in engine or heavy machinery manufacturing.
- Undergo employer-provided training on specific assembly processes and tools.
- Gain experience to qualify for higher-paying roles with more complex assembly tasks.
Job outlook
Employment for Engine and Other Machine Assemblers is projected to decline by 21.1% from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS. That's a loss of about 7,200 jobs over the decade. Yet about 2,800 openings are expected each year, mostly to replace workers who retire or leave the occupation.
The decline stems from automation and offshore production. Routine assembly tasks are increasingly done by robots, and some engine manufacturing has moved overseas. Still, limited opportunities exist in repairing and overhauling large engines, such as those in ships or power generators, which require human precision.
The best job prospects will be for workers with advanced skills in computerized assembly equipment or with experience in aerospace and defense manufacturing, where quality standards are highest.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for an Engine and Other Machine Assembler?
The average (mean) salary is $57,790 per year, with a median of $53,710. The bottom 10% earn less than $38,500, and the top 10% earn more than $77,750.
How do I become an Engine and Other Machine Assembler?
You typically need a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training. Vocational school or an associate degree can improve prospects. No license is required, but certifications like MSSC's Certified Production Technician may help.
What is the job growth outlook for Engine and Other Machine Assemblers?
The BLS projects a 21.1% decline in employment from 2024 to 2034, though about 2,800 new job openings arise each year due to turnover.
Which states pay the highest for Engine and Other Machine Assemblers?
Ohio leads at $74,750, followed by Washington ($72,800), New Hampshire ($70,150), Oregon ($63,420), and Connecticut ($61,320).
Is the job of Engine and Other Machine Assembler being automated?
Yes, some routine assembly tasks are automated, which contributes to the projected job decline. However, complex assembly, repair, and overhaul work still requires human workers.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Engine and Other Machine Assemblers data.