Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Production Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 51-2011.00
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.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
Moderate· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery highGroup-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
- Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.049
0.000Range of values carried here0.745Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.27
0.09Range of values carried here0.70Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
What kind of figure this source publishes
The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.
Task-level exposure
Show 29 hidden tasks30 rated tasks · 1 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (3.3%)
β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.
- Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
- 4 rated tasks are not in the O*NET 31.0 task list; their scores are kept as published for O*NET 27.2.
- Source
- OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
- Release
- gh-main-0471612
- License
- MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
| Task (O*NET 20.1) | Claude.aiRaw / share % | APIRaw / share % |
|---|---|---|
Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.51-2011.00 | 0.0028100.0 | 0.0106100.0 |
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.O*NET Task ID 20811 | 0.5 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page
All O*NET 31.0 task statements (26)
All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.
| Task (O*NET 31.0) | Type |
|---|---|
| Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies. | Core |
| Align, fit, assemble, connect, or install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, or power tools. | Core |
| Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding. | Core |
| Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment. | Core |
| Clean, oil, or coat system components, as necessary, before assembly or attachment. | Core |
| Set up or operate machines or systems to crimp, cut, bend, form, swage, flare, bead, burr, or straighten tubing, according to specifications. | Core |
| Mark identifying information on tubing or cable assemblies, using etching devices, labels, rubber stamps, or other methods. | Core |
| Cut cables and tubing, using master templates, measuring instruments, and cable cutters or saws. | Core |
| Clean aircraft structures, parts, or components, using aqueous, semi-aqueous, aliphatic hydrocarbon, or organic solvent cleaning products or techniques to reduce carbon or other harmful emissions. | Core |
| Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps. | Core |
| Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts. | Core |
| Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation. | Core |
| Cut, trim, file, bend, or smooth parts to ensure proper fit and clearance. | Core |
| Position and align subassemblies in jigs or fixtures, using measuring instruments and following blueprint lines and index points. | Supplemental |
| Join structural assemblies, such as wings, tails, or fuselage. | Supplemental |
| Layout and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts or components, using jigs, templates, or measuring and marking instruments. | Supplemental |
| Fit and fasten sheet metal coverings to surface areas or other sections of aircraft prior to welding or riveting. | Supplemental |
| Set, align, adjust, or synchronize aircraft armament or rigging or control system components to established tolerances or requirements, using sighting devices and hand tools. | Supplemental |
| Fabricate parts needed for assembly or installation, using shop machinery or equipment. | Supplemental |
| Verify dimensions of cable assemblies or positions of fittings, using measuring instruments. | Supplemental |
| Swage fittings onto cables, using swaging machines. | Supplemental |
| Assemble prototypes or integrated-technology demonstrators of new or emerging environmental technologies for aircraft. | Supplemental |
| Capture or segregate waste material, such as aluminum swarf, machine cutting fluid, or solvents, for recycling or environmentally responsible disposal. | Supplemental |
| Manually install structural assemblies or signal crane operators to position assemblies for joining. | Supplemental |
| Place and connect control cables to electronically controlled units, using hand tools, ring locks, cotter keys, threaded connectors, turnbuckles, or related devices. | Supplemental |
| Install mechanical linkages and actuators, using tensiometers to verify tension of cables. | Supplemental |
0.78/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)
E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site
Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.
| Task (O*NET 29.3) | Robot environment tier |
|---|---|
| Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Layout and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts or components, using jigs, templates, or measuring and marking instruments. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Clean, oil, or coat system components, as necessary, before assembly or attachment. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Fabricate parts needed for assembly or installation, using shop machinery or equipment. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation. | E0 none |
| Cut, trim, file, bend, or smooth parts to ensure proper fit and clearance. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Position and align subassemblies in jigs or fixtures, using measuring instruments and following blueprint lines and index points. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Align, fit, assemble, connect, or install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, or power tools. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Join structural assemblies, such as wings, tails, or fuselage. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Fit and fasten sheet metal coverings to surface areas or other sections of aircraft prior to welding or riveting. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Set, align, adjust, or synchronize aircraft armament or rigging or control system components to established tolerances or requirements, using sighting devices and hand tools. | E0 none |
| Set up or operate machines or systems to crimp, cut, bend, form, swage, flare, bead, burr, or straighten tubing, according to specifications. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Weld tubing and fittings or solder cable ends, using tack welders, induction brazing chambers, or other equipment. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Verify dimensions of cable assemblies or positions of fittings, using measuring instruments. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Mark identifying information on tubing or cable assemblies, using etching devices, labels, rubber stamps, or other methods. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Cut cables and tubing, using master templates, measuring instruments, and cable cutters or saws. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Assemble prototypes or integrated-technology demonstrators of new or emerging environmental technologies for aircraft. | E0 none |
| Capture or segregate waste material, such as aluminum swarf, machine cutting fluid, or solvents, for recycling or environmentally responsible disposal. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Clean aircraft structures, parts, or components, using aqueous, semi-aqueous, aliphatic hydrocarbon, or organic solvent cleaning products or techniques to reduce carbon or other harmful emissions. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Manually install structural assemblies or signal crane operators to position assemblies for joining. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Place and connect control cables to electronically controlled units, using hand tools, ring locks, cotter keys, threaded connectors, turnbuckles, or related devices. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Install mechanical linkages and actuators, using tensiometers to verify tension of cables. | E0 none |
| Install accessories in swaging machines, using hand tools. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
- Employment, 2025
- 34K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 33K
- Change (2025–35)
- -5.6%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $65,380
- Typical education needed for entry
- High school diploma or equivalent
Korea classification links (KSCO)
Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.
| KSCO code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85433 | 항공기 조립원 | Same scope | confirmed |
| 79223 | 항공기 배관공 | Related, not a match | confirmed |
Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)
ILO occupational description
AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.
- ISCO-08 8211Mechanical Machinery Assemblers
Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits
ESCO occupational vocabulary
Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.
- aircraft assemblerESCO 8211.1Same scope
Aircraft assemblers use hand tools, power tools and other equipment such as CNC machines or robots to construct, fit and install prefabricated parts to manufacture fixed or rotary wing aircrafts and aircraft subassemblies such as flight controls, aircraft skins, rigging and other mechanical systems etc. They read and interpret blueprints. They operate control systems to determine functional performance of the assemblies and adjust accordingly.
- aircraft engine assemblerESCO 8211.1.1Overlapping, not the same
Aircraft engine assemblers build and install prefabricated parts to form aircraft engines such as lightweight piston engines and gas turbines. They review specifications and technical drawings to determine materials and assembly instructions. They inspect and test the engines and reject malfunctioning components.
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)
License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)
ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.
France classification links (ROME)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.
| ROME code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| H2901 | Ajusteur-monteur / Ajusteuse-monteuse | This occupation is narrower |
| H2909 | Assembleur monteur / Assembleuse monteuse | Related, not a match |
Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.
ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)
Spain classification links (CNO-11)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| CNO-11 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 8201 | Ensambladores de maquinaria mecánica | This occupation is narrowerprovisional |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)
Germany classification links (KldB)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| KldB code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 25232 | Berufe in der Luft- und Raumfahrttechnik - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | This occupation is narrower |
Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)
Japan classification links (JSCO)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| JSCO code | JSCO title (Japanese) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 544 | 輸送機械組立従事者（自動車を除く） | This occupation is narrower |
| 514 | 輸送機械組立設備制御・監視員（自動車を除く） | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)
Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources