What does an Assembly Technician 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 Assembly Technician 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 Assembly Technician 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 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
3.0 ★
Avg. Experience8+ years

How much does an Assembly Technician make near United States?

Confident
$46,300 /yr
Total Pay
$44,010
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$2,290
 /yr

Additional Pay

$46,300

 / yr
$35K$62K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
See More Insights

Assembly Technician Career Path

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

Assembly Technician

Years of Experience Distribution

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

Assembly Technician Insights

Read what Assembly Technician 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”

Columbus College of Art and DesignColumbus College of Art and Design
Fabricator
Oct 19, 2023

“It was great to work and help students and become an expert in 3D printing.”

eTeameTeam
Electronics Assembler
May 30, 2023

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

Rocket PharmaRocket Pharma
Manufacturing Technician II
Nov 17, 2021

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

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.”

Volvo GroupVolvo Group
Assembly Technician
Dec 18, 2022

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

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Assembly Technician Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of an Assembly Technician

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

Related Careers

Warehouse Worker
$40,529
No skills overlap
Material Handler
$43,348
No skills overlap
Forklift Operator
$44,631
No skills overlap
Packer
$38,652
No skills overlap

Assembly Technician Jobs