Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler Salary in 2026

    SOC: 51-2011.00 · BLS OEWS 2026 · Updated March 2026
    Median Annual
    $61,680
    per year
    Salary Range
    $46K – $95K
    P10–P90
    Total Jobs
    32,890
    employed
    Job Growth
    -14.5%
    2024–2034
    Section 01

    How Much Do Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Make?

    Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers earn a median annual salary of $61,680 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $46,040 at the 10th percentile to $94,950 at the 90th percentile — a range of $48,910. The highest-paying state is Washington at $93,550.

    PercentileAnnual salary
    10th percentile$46,040
    25th percentile$53,180
    Median (50th)$61,680
    75th percentile$75,240
    90th percentile$94,950
    10th: $46,040Median: $61,68090th: $94,950
    Section 02

    Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler Salary by State

    Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.

    StateMedian salary
    Washingtontop$93,550
    Connecticut$82,280
    Texas$81,130
    Pennsylvania$78,570
    Colorado$68,230
    Arizona$66,930
    Georgia$65,580
    Missouri$64,360
    Florida$62,770
    Alabama$62,010
    Utah$59,810
    Tennessee$59,070
    Kansas$57,970
    California$56,160
    Ohio$55,540
    Oregon$55,150
    Michigan$55,070
    Virginia$52,420
    North Carolina$51,440
    Idaho$51,210
    Mississippi$49,710
    New York$48,010
    Oklahoma$45,840
    Arkansas$40,690
    Section 03

    Highest-Paying Metros for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
    Highest paying
    $94,910
    top metro salary
    Washington
    $93,550
    $-1,360 vs highest
    Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
    $83,870
    $-11,040 vs highest
    Connecticut
    $82,280
    $-12,630 vs highest
    Texas
    $81,130
    $-13,780 vs highest
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
    $79,110
    $-15,800 vs highest
    Pennsylvania
    $78,570
    $-16,340 vs highest
    Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL
    $73,040
    $-21,870 vs highest
    Section 04

    Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler Salary by Experience

    Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.

    Experience levelEstimated salary
    Entry level (0–2 yrs)~$46,040 – $53,180
    Mid career (3–7 yrs)~$61,680
    Experienced (8–15 yrs)~$75,240
    Senior (15+ yrs)$94,950+
    Section 05

    How to Earn More as an Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler

    Location is the single biggest salary lever: Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earn $94,910 — $33,230 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($75,240) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.

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    Section 06

    Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler Salary vs Similar Careers

    CareerMedian salary
    Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblerthis career$61,680
    Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technician$70,760
    Sheet Metal Worker$60,850
    Avionics Technician$81,390
    Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairer$53,990

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    PathScorer compares your skills to Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.

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    Section 07

    Frequently Asked Questions

    SOC: 51-2011.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.