How much does an assembler make?
a year · about $21 an hour
A typical assembler in the United States makes $44,650 a year, about $21 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
At a U.S. factory, an assembler checks a drawing, aligns parts, and uses hand tools or machines to put them together. They inspect the finished work and clean their tools; team assemblers may rotate tasks.
Did you know? On some U.S. assembly teams, workers may help decide how the work is divided—not just follow a boss's fixed task list.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $33,280 and $64,880How do you become one?
In the U.S., most assembler jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent, and related experience is usually not needed. Employers provide several months of training; advanced roles may require technical study, an apprenticeship, or soldering certification.
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, more experience and special skills can lead to higher pay, especially in complex jobs that need extra training or soldering certificates. Pay also varies by industry, employer, and location, and some workers have evening, weekend, or night shifts.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Nevada ($49,050), lowest in Arkansas ($36,990).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a car assembler averages $39,449. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $33,280 | $44,650 | $64,880 | about 1.4 million |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $49,050 | about 11,000 |
| Iowa | $48,920 | about 20,000 |
| Washington | $48,260 | about 17,000 |
| Kentucky | $47,950 | about 47,000 |
| California | $47,720 | about 98,000 |
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.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes512090.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-2092.00
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY