Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
SOC code 51-2031 · O*NET-SOC 51-2031.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$53,710
a year
Hourly
$25.82
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$57,790
$27.78 per hour
Middle 50%
$45,230 – $74,920
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$38,500 – $77,750
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
34,000
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $38,500
- $18.51/hr
- 25th percentile
- $45,230
- $21.75/hr
- Median percentile
- $53,710
- $25.82/hr
- 75th percentile
- $74,920
- $36.02/hr
- 90th percentile
- $77,750
- $37.38/hr
What do engine and other machine assemblers do?
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Read and interpret assembly blueprints or specifications manuals, and plan assembly or building operations.
- Inspect, operate, and test completed products to verify functioning, machine capabilities, or conformance to customer specifications.
- Position or align components for assembly, manually or using hoists.
- Set and verify parts clearances.
- Verify conformance of parts to stock lists or blueprints, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
- Fasten or install piping, fixtures, or wiring and electrical components to form assemblies or subassemblies, using hand tools, rivet guns, or welding equipment.
- Remove rough spots and smooth surfaces to fit, trim, or clean parts, using hand tools or power tools.
- Lay out and drill, ream, tap, or cut parts for assembly.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 64% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)64%
- Post-Secondary Certificate13%
- Less than a High School Diploma11%
- Master's Degree7%
Common questions
How much does an engine and other machine assemblers earn?
The national median is $53,710 a year. The full range runs from $38,500 at the 10th percentile to $77,750 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an engine and other machine assemblers without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension3.1/5
- Active Listening3.0/5
- Speaking3.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical3.9/5
- Production and Processing3.4/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.2/5
- Engineering and Technology3.0/5
- Mathematics2.9/5
- Public Safety and Security2.9/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
- Design2.8/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Social Perceptiveness, Complex Problem Solving, Operation and Control.