Becoming an assembler and fabricator can be an excellent decision for those that want job security and a steady wage in the assembly and fabrication business. Assembly and fabrication is an extremely diverse job that encompasses many industries, and thus it ensures job security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the pay for an assembler and fabricator averages about $28,360 per year or $13.63 per hour.

However, the position offers may opportunities for advancement, especially after the acquiring of a college degree. Most of the people who begin with this industry only have a high school diploma, but it is important to gain one to further advance through the position. The industry is experiencing growth, and an estimated number of 1.6 million jobs currently exists throughout the United States.

What Are Assemblers and Fabricators?

$28,360
High School or GED
None

1,626,500
5%
88,000

Find Related CareersSOURCE: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Assemblers and fabricators are those that actually machine the components and assemble the components to a variety of items. These items can include toys, computers, engines and electronic devices such as pads and laptop computers. An assembler and fabricator can work in any industry they desire and can follow the work as it develops.

As technology advances, assembly and fabrication jobs have tended to move overseas except for more complex and valued industries. Assemblers and fabricators often need to be able to use complex equipment and will often need some form of functional knowledge. An engineering degree can be useful for an assembler and fabricator who is seeking occupational advancement. Assembler and fabricators often need to be very dexterous because they often need to use their hands to carefully piece together components. They often need to be very conscientious so that they can control the product quality.

How to Become an Assembler and Fabricator

Most people begin their work as an assembler and fabricator by getting their high school diploma. While this alone is enough to actually secure a job as an assembler and fabricator, it usually isn’t enough to advance beyond the entry-level positions. Some positions, such as highly skilled aircraft assembly personnel, will need to have an associate’s degree simply to be considered for an entry-level position. Otherwise, most assemblers and fabricators will be given on-the-job training as is necessary and they will learn how to fabricate specific items on the job.

There may be some initial testing by the company to determine that the fabricator has the acumen to complete fabrications in a timely manner and with good quality control. Industries that are very specific such as electronic industries may also require technical training or a technical degree. Otherwise, general components and items such as toys will usually allow you to begin with fabrication and assembly right away. Some certifications may also be needed for some industries.

Advancing as an Assembler and Fabricator

Advancing as an assembler and fabricator usually requires becoming a supervisor and then eventually even a manager of an assembly or fabrication plant. A supervisor usually requires at least an associate’s degree to progress, and a manager will often need either a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree if the company is large enough. Managers or supervisors at an assembly or manufacturing plant will make substantially more money than an assembler and fabricator at these plants, and they are usually promoted from within. As noted by the U.S. Department of Labor, some assemblers may also become product repair personnel.

The degrees required for a manager or supervisor at one of these plants vary. Some companies will value a business degree for their managers or supervisors, while others will require a more technical degree to ensure the value of your knowledge as pertains to their plant. Regardless, a degree greatly increases chances of both employment and advancement in this industry. Otherwise, the median wage will remain at about $13.63 per hour.