Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Salary
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers earn a median $65,380 a year nationally. Production Occupations
What aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers do
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- -5.6% (declining)
- Openings per year
- 3,100
Employment of aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers is projected to shrink 5.6% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 3,100 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$5,666
- Social Security (6.2%)$4,054
- Medicare (1.45%)$948
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$54,713
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,310 | $22.75 | $40,194 |
| 25th percentile | $58,600 | $28.17 | $49,265 |
| Median (50th) | $65,380 | $31.43 | $54,713 |
| 75th percentile | $83,410 | $40.10 | $67,509 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $107,500 | $51.68 | $84,456 |
Best cities for aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers (after tax & cost of living)
| # | Metro area | Median | Take-home | Real value* | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle, WA | $110,470 | $86,546 | $77,876 | 4,010 |
| 2 | Dallas, TX | $86,520 | $69,697 | $67,608 | 2,450 |
| 3 | Wichita, KS | $59,850 | $47,730 | $53,661 | 9,460 |
*Take-home pay in U.S.-average dollars (BEA Regional Price Parities).
Highest-paying cities
- Seattle, WA — $110,470
- Dallas, TX — $86,520
- Wichita, KS — $59,850
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $110,470 | +18.1% | $86,546 | $63,110 – $110,470 | 4,280 |
| Pennsylvania | $81,680 | +4.0% | $63,784 | $45,000 – $112,300 | 740 |
| Connecticut | $78,630 | −4.4% | $61,397 | $48,540 – $120,750 | 500 |
| Texas | $76,640 | −5.5% | $62,746 | $43,500 – $100,450 | 3,010 |
| Arizona | $73,930 | +10.5% | $59,200 | $58,690 – $85,970 | 1,210 |
| Georgia | $72,550 | +10.6% | $56,726 | $47,300 – $95,230 | 2,950 |
| Colorado | $70,870 | +3.9% | $56,277 | $37,030 – $89,630 | 160 |
| Tennessee | $66,390 | +12.4% | $55,524 | $33,130 – $78,420 | 130 |
| Florida | $64,580 | +2.9% | $54,070 | $47,040 – $98,290 | 1,280 |
| Nebraska | $64,530 | — | $51,973 | $53,470 – $101,480 | 220 |
| California | $63,640 | +13.3% | $50,608 | $48,120 – $94,280 | 2,930 |
| Kansas | $59,850 | +3.2% | $47,730 | $52,630 – $77,440 | 9,710 |
| Alabama | $58,990 | −4.9% | $46,894 | $49,800 – $85,660 | 950 |
| Missouri | $58,600 | −8.9% | $47,448 | $48,800 – $95,800 | 460 |
| Oregon | $58,050 | +5.3% | $44,573 | $46,010 – $98,130 | 560 |
| North Carolina | $51,930 | +1.0% | $42,342 | $47,240 – $70,060 | 670 |
| Utah | $51,130 | −14.5% | $41,928 | $35,700 – $75,440 | 550 |
| Idaho | $50,100 | −2.2% | $40,888 | $44,400 – $60,620 | 40 |
| New York | $49,620 | +3.4% | $39,967 | $36,120 – $61,110 | 280 |
| Oklahoma | $49,070 | +7.0% | $39,945 | $37,790 – $74,510 | 400 |
| Michigan | $47,230 | −14.2% | $38,373 | $35,920 – $78,020 | 360 |
| Arkansas | $46,290 | +13.8% | $37,781 | $35,340 – $59,170 | 780 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing Device Assembler and Adjuster | $62,620 | High school diploma or equivalent | -6.1% |
| Engine and Other Machine Assembler | $53,710 | High school diploma or equivalent | -17.0% |
| Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter | $51,330 | High school diploma or equivalent | -6.2% |
| Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | $48,220 | High school diploma or equivalent | -4.0% |
| Fiberglass Laminator and Fabricator | $46,880 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.6% |
| Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | $45,850 | High school diploma or equivalent | +5.0% |
| Miscellaneous Assembler and Fabricator | $44,650 | High school diploma or equivalent | +1.1% |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 | Postsecondary nondegree award | -9.2% |
| Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic | $63,870 | High school diploma or equivalent | -3.4% |
| Model Makers, Metal and Plastic | $63,340 | High school diploma or equivalent | -17.3% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers make?
The national median salary for aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers is $65,380 a year ($31.43 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $47,310 and the top 10% earn over $107,500. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers the most?
Washington has the highest median pay at $110,470. After taxes and local prices, Seattle, WA offers the best real take-home pay of any metro area.
How many aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers are there in the U.S.?
About 34,020 people work as aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers nationwide.