How much does an engine assembler make?
a year · about $26 an hour
A typical engine assembler in the United States makes $53,710 a year, about $26 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They read blueprints, line up machine parts by hand or with a hoist, then fasten them with tools. They inspect the finished machine and run tests to check that it works as planned.
Did you know? They may assemble turbines and machines for textile and paper factories—not just vehicle engines.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $38,500 and $77,750How do you become one?
In the United States, a high school diploma or GED is usually enough; employers provide several months of hands-on training. Apprenticeships are another route, and some advanced specialties need extra technical study.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can vary with experience and skill, education or training, the employer or industry, and location. Complex machines may call for greater skill, and some factory jobs include night or weekend shifts.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Ohio ($74,750), lowest in Virginia ($36,030).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a machine assembler averages $34,834. Engine assembler salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $38,500 | $53,710 | $77,750 | about 34,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $74,750 | about 3,000 |
| Michigan | $60,950 | about 5,000 |
| Wisconsin | $54,240 | about 860 |
| Florida | $52,660 | about 800 |
| Illinois | $49,630 | about 650 |
Official definition: Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/production/assemblers-and-fabricators.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-2031.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes512031.htm
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/51-2031.00
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY