Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers vs. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators: Who Earns More?
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers out-earn Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators by $21K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers land at $65,380 and Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators at $44,650. The education gap is real: aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assembler programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while miscellaneous assemblers and fabricator programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers is Washington ($110,470); for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators it's District of Columbia ($50,330).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers earn more nationally. The median is $65,380 for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers versus $44,650 for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators, a difference of $21K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators has the better 10-year outlook at -0.1% projected growth, compared to -14.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers at $110,470/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers vs. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers earn $110,470 vs. $48,260 for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.