Find a Job You Really Want In
Assemblers represent a vital segment of the American workforce, with a strong presence in various states across the country. Contrary to popular belief, assembler jobs are not confined to just a few regions such as California or the Southern states; rather, opportunities abound throughout the United States.
Recognizing the importance of this occupation, we at Zippia set out to identify the best states for assemblers in 2026. This analysis focuses on job availability, competitive salaries, and career growth prospects across various stages of an assembler’s career.
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we compiled a list of states that offer the most favorable conditions for assemblers.
After thorough analysis, here are the top states for assemblers in the U.S. for 2026:
These states stand out as the best for assemblers, offering numerous job opportunities, competitive pay, and potential for career advancement.
To understand how we determined these rankings, read on for insights into our research methodology.
If you’re interested in exploring the job market further, check out these related articles:
- Best Companies to Work For in Louisville
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Kentucky
- The 100 Largest Companies In Kentucky
How We Determined the Best States for Assemblers
At Zippia, we engage with a diverse range of job seekers. Our research indicates that two key factors are paramount for job seekers:
- Job Availability
- Competitive Salaries
To identify the best states for assemblers, we analyzed job availability and salary data, utilizing the following criteria from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location Quotient: Indicates the prevalence of assembler jobs in each state.
- Average Annual Salary: The general salary for assemblers.
- Average Entry-Level Salary: Starting salaries for new assemblers.
- Average Experienced Salary: Salaries for seasoned professionals in the field.
To ensure a fair comparison across states, we adjusted salary data for each state’s cost of living. This adjustment highlights that while salaries may appear higher in some states, the purchasing power of those salaries varies significantly. For instance, an assembler’s average salary in California might be $30,920, compared to $32,240 in Illinois. However, the Illinois salary provides greater purchasing power for essential living expenses.
We ranked each state based on the above criteria, assigning scores from 1 to 50 (with 1 being the best). The overall Job Score was calculated by averaging these rankings, with the lowest score indicating the best state for assemblers.
Now, let’s delve into the specifics of what makes each of these states ideal for assemblers.
1. Kentucky
Total Jobs: 46,840
Average Annual Salary: $39,010
Average Entry Level Salary: $22,920
Average Experienced Salary: $60,120
Location Quotient: 3.16
2. Michigan
Total Jobs: 105,140
Average Annual Salary: $35,360
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,540
Average Experienced Salary: $57,970
Location Quotient: 3.15
3. Indiana
Total Jobs: 82,450
Average Annual Salary: $34,660
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,120
Average Experienced Salary: $57,480
Location Quotient: 3.48
4. Kansas
Total Jobs: 14,110
Average Annual Salary: $35,120
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,490
Average Experienced Salary: $53,040
Location Quotient: 1.3
5. Alabama
Total Jobs: 35,410
Average Annual Salary: $34,480
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,250
Average Experienced Salary: $57,630
Location Quotient: 2.34
6. Mississippi
Total Jobs: 19,710
Average Annual Salary: $31,530
Average Entry Level Salary: $19,760
Average Experienced Salary: $48,780
Location Quotient: 2.23
7. Tennessee
Total Jobs: 62,800
Average Annual Salary: $31,980
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,600
Average Experienced Salary: $48,010
Location Quotient: 2.74
8. Missouri
Total Jobs: 23,380
Average Annual Salary: $34,900
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,990
Average Experienced Salary: $51,910
Location Quotient: 1.07
9. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 8,900
Average Annual Salary: $32,920
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,830
Average Experienced Salary: $46,710
Location Quotient: 1.16
10. Ohio
Total Jobs: 41,740
Average Annual Salary: $36,150
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,180
Average Experienced Salary: $60,300
Location Quotient: 0.99
There You Have It – The Best States To Be An Assembler
For those starting their careers as assemblers, these states should be at the forefront of your job search. They offer competitive pay, abundant job opportunities, and avenues for career advancement.
If you’re curious about where assemblers face the toughest conditions, here are the least favorable states:
Detailed List Of The Best States For Assemblers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kentucky | $39,010 |
| 2 | Michigan | $35,360 |
| 3 | Indiana | $34,660 |
| 4 | Kansas | $35,120 |
| 5 | Alabama | $34,480 |
| 6 | Mississippi | $31,530 |
| 7 | Tennessee | $31,980 |
| 8 | Missouri | $34,900 |
| 9 | Nebraska | $32,920 |
| 10 | Ohio | $36,150 |
| 11 | Iowa | $32,020 |
| 12 | Arkansas | $29,550 |
| 13 | Wyoming | $36,110 |
| 14 | South Carolina | $33,000 |
| 15 | Wisconsin | $32,030 |
| 16 | North Dakota | $34,800 |
| 17 | Illinois | $32,240 |
| 18 | Oklahoma | $30,420 |
| 19 | Idaho | $29,170 |
| 20 | Georgia | $29,340 |
| 21 | Washington | $35,020 |
| 22 | Louisiana | $33,220 |
| 23 | Utah | $29,980 |
| 24 | North Carolina | $29,620 |
| 25 | West Virginia | $30,530 |
| 26 | Texas | $30,400 |
| 27 | Minnesota | $32,090 |
| 28 | Delaware | $33,920 |
| 29 | Pennsylvania | $31,590 |
| 30 | Maine | $34,650 |
| 31 | Virginia | $30,460 |
| 32 | New Hampshire | $34,740 |
| 33 | South Dakota | $28,140 |
| 34 | Colorado | $32,520 |
| 35 | Florida | $28,690 |
| 36 | Montana | $29,840 |
| 37 | Connecticut | $34,240 |
| 38 | Arizona | $28,050 |
| 39 | Nevada | $28,380 |
| 40 | Rhode Island | $29,670 |
| 41 | New Mexico | $27,480 |
| 42 | Vermont | $30,970 |
| 43 | Oregon | $30,960 |
| 44 | Massachusetts | $32,580 |
| 45 | California | $30,920 |
| 46 | New York | $31,360 |
| 47 | Alaska | $32,410 |
| 48 | New Jersey | $27,730 |
| 49 | Maryland | $27,820 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $25,210 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
