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 high

    Group-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

    Source dataset (XLSX download)

  • Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03

    0.049

    0.000Range of values carried here0.745
    Scale, 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

    Source dataset (CSV download)

  • Data source: ILOPublished: 2025

    0.27

    0.09Range of values carried here0.70

    Group-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

    Source dataset (PDF download)

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

Exposed tasks only

30 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)APIRaw / share %
Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.

51-2011.00

0.0059100.0
Not observed on any surface — 29 task(s) — These tasks have no row in the source for this release. The 0 in the share row is a display-stage composition ratio; absence is what the — in the raw row states.
Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies.
—0
Layout and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts or components, using jigs, templates, or measuring and marking instruments.
—0
Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.
—0
Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment.
—0
Clean, oil, or coat system components as necessary before assembly or attachment.
—0
Fabricate parts needed for assembly or installation, using shop machinery or equipment.
—0
Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps.
—0
Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation.
—0
Cut, trim, file, bend, or smooth parts to ensure proper fit and clearance.
—0
Position and align subassemblies in jigs or fixtures, using measuring instruments and following blueprint lines and index points.
—0
Align, fit, assemble, connect, or install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, or power tools.
—0
Join structural assemblies, such as wings, tails, or fuselage.
—0
Fit and fasten sheet metal coverings to surface areas or other sections of aircraft prior to welding or riveting.
—0
Set, align, adjust, or synchronize aircraft armament or rigging or control system components to established tolerances or requirements using sighting devices and hand tools.
—0
Set up or operate machines or systems to crimp, cut, bend, form, swage, flare, bead, burr, or straighten tubing, according to specifications.
—0
Weld tubing and fittings or solder cable ends, using tack-welders, induction brazing chambers, or other equipment.
—0
Verify dimensions of cable assemblies or positions of fittings, using measuring instruments.
—0
Mark identifying information on tubing or cable assemblies, using etching devices, labels, rubber stamps, or other methods.
—0
Cut cables and tubing, using master templates, measuring instruments, and cable cutters or saws.
—0
Swage fittings onto cables, using swaging machines.
—0
Assemble prototypes or integrated-technology demonstrators of new or emerging environmental technologies for aircraft.
—0
Capture or segregate waste material, such as aluminum swarf, machine cutting fluid, or solvents, for recycling or environmentally responsible disposal.
—0
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.
—0
Monitor robotic assembly equipment, such as snake-arm robots, used to assemble, seal, or swage aircraft structures.
—0
Manually install structural assemblies or signal crane operators to position assemblies for joining.
—0
Place and connect control cables to electronically controlled units, using hand tools, ring locks, cotter keys, threaded connectors, turnbuckles, or related devices.
—0
Install mechanical linkages and actuators, using tensiometers to verify tension of cables.
—0
Install accessories in swaging machines, using hand tools.
—0
Splice cables, using clamps and fittings, or reweave cable strands.
—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

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
lowest $30,890median wage across 825 detailed occupations, BLS EP 2025–35highest $559,030

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — Employment by detailed occupation, 2025 and projected 2035

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 codeKSCO titleRelationStatus
85433항공기 조립원Same scopeconfirmed
79223항공기 배관공Related, not a matchconfirmed

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)

View original

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 codeROME title (French)Relation
H2901Ajusteur-monteur / Ajusteuse-monteuseThis occupation is narrower
H2909Assembleur monteur / Assembleuse monteuseRelated, 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 codeCNO-11 title (Spanish)Relation
8201Ensambladores de maquinaria mecánicaThis 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 codeKldB title (German)Relation
25232Berufe in der Luft- und Raumfahrttechnik - fachlich ausgerichtete TätigkeitenThis 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 codeJSCO 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