Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators: Salary $44,650, Job Decline on the Horizon
The median annual wage for miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators is $44,650, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2024 data. That works out to roughly $21 an hour. With 1.4 million people employed in this occupation, it's a common job—but the growth picture is flat. Here's what you need to know about earnings, geography, and breaking in.
How much Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators earn
The median salary tells the middle of the pack: $44,650. Mean annual wages hit $46,660, or about $21 per hour. The bottom 10% earn $33,280 or less, while the top 10% bring in $64,880 or more. Experience, location, and industry drive those extremes.
Overall, this is a moderate-paying manufacturing role. Pay often increases with time on the line and specialization—think electronics assembly vs. basic hand-assembly jobs.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. The District of Columbia pays the highest average, $50,330, likely reflecting cost-of-living and local industry mix. Hawaii ($49,630), Alaska ($49,390), Nevada ($49,050), and Iowa ($48,920) round out the top five.
On the lower end, Georgia's average is $38,310, New Jersey $37,620, and Arkansas $36,990. These differences often align with regional labor markets and union presence.
How to become a Miscellaneous Assembler or Fabricator
The barrier to entry is low. Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is typical, lasting a few weeks to a few months. Some employers prefer prior experience in manufacturing or a technical certificate from a community college, but it's not mandatory.
There's no state licensing or certification needed. But earning an industry credential—like the Certified Production Technician—can make you more competitive.
- Get a high school diploma or GED.
- Apply for entry-level assembler/fabricator jobs.
- Complete on-the-job training.
- Consider a certificate in manufacturing or precision assembly.
Job outlook
The BLS projects a 0.1% decline in employment from 2024 to 2034, which is essentially flat. The occupation will still produce about 156,300 openings each year, mostly from workers leaving the field rather than new job creation. Automation and offshoring are slow headwinds.
Frequently asked questions
What does a miscellaneous assembler and fabricator do?
They put together or fabricate parts and products by hand or with tools, often on assembly lines. The work varies by industry—from electronics to machinery to vehicle parts.
Is $44,650 a good salary for an assembler?
It depends on location. For example, $44,650 is near the national median for all occupations. In lower-cost states, it's a decent wage; in high-cost areas like D.C. or Hawaii, it's tighter.
What is the best-paying industry for these workers?
The BLS data shows that aerospace product and parts manufacturing tends to pay above average, often topping $55,000, while textile mills pay lower.
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 Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators data.