Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of assemblers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of assemblers:
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Assembly Leader is the highest-paid type of assembler with an average salary of $37,198 and an average hourly rate of $17.88.
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The second highest-paying type of assembler is assembler/team lead, with an average salary of $35,500.
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The average assembler salary is $30,849 per year, and the average hourly pay is $14.83.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as an assembler, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of assemblers are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of assemblers:
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Assembly Leader
Average Salary: $37,198
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Assembler/Team Lead
Average Salary: $35,500
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Assembly Technician
Average Salary: $34,952
Assembly technicians are responsible for constructing small parts and components to create a new product according to the specifications of a client or a supervisor. An assembly technician performs diagnostic tests on the assembled product to ensure efficiency and conduct adjustments as needed. An assembly technician also provides manual instructional guides for product use and troubleshooting procedures. Assembly technicians must be knowledgeable about the technology and mechanical industry, as well as have the ability to analyze designs as a guide for creating high-quality products.
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Assembler/Tester
Average Salary: $34,284
Assemblers or testers assemble or test complex products to attain prompt delivery schedules and customer quality. They work on products containing electronic, dual, and mechanical hydraulic systems. Their job is to operate and maintain power and hand tools, test equipment, and manufacturing machines. It is their responsibility to produce high-quality products that exceed or meet the approval agency, customer, and engineering requirements. They also interpret engineering orders, test specifications, assembly routes, and blueprints.
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Mechanical Assembler
Average Salary: $33,553
Mechanical assemblers are individuals who fabricate or assemble mechanical pieces, products, or parts. They are knowledgeable about assembly instructions as well as their interpretations. Among their primary responsibilities are to read the list of mechanical components, identify all present interests, and assemble tools. They should know how to read and interpret sketches and blueprints. It is also essential for every assembler to listen to the directions given by their supervisors or any other head.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various assembler that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Assemblers
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assembly Leader | |
| 2 | Assembler/Team Lead | |
| 3 | Assembly Technician | |
| 4 | Assembler/Tester | |
| 5 | Mechanical Assembler | |
| 6 | Assembler/Material Handler | |
| 7 | Electrical Assembler | |
| 8 | Assembly Operator | |
| 9 | Electronic Assembler | |
| 10 | Medical Assembler | |
| 11 | Production Assembler | |
| 12 | Assembling Machine Operator | |
| 13 | Assembly Worker | |
| 14 | Assembly Associate | |
| 15 | Assembly Inspector | |
| 16 | Manufacturing Assembler | |
| 17 | Generator Assembler | |
| 18 | Assembler/Packer | |
| 19 | Assembly Line Worker | |
| 20 | Line Assembler |
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for assemblers.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Assembler Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid assembler job?
The highest-paid assembler job is an assembly leader. Assembly Leaders earn an average salary of $37,198, which is $ 17.88 hourly.
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What is a good salary for an assembler?
A good salary for an assembler is $30,849 or more. The average assembler salary is $30,849, so those making at least $30,849 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average assembler salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as an assembler, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $30,849 average, as this includes all assemblers of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Assembler jobs pay well?
No, assembler jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some assembler jobs pay better than others, but the average assembler salary of $30,849 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many assembler jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of assemblers earning $0 a year on average.
Assemblers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as an assembler. Do your research on the going rate for an assembler in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do assemblers get paid the most?
Assemblers get paid the most in Minnesota. In Minnesota, assemblers earn an average annual salary of $34,719 and an average hourly wage of $16.69.
Following MN, the states with the highest-paid assemblers are Wisconsin, Kansas, and Oregon, with average annual salaries of $33,049, $34,314, and $35,298 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid assembler salaries are:
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Seattle, WA – $36,663
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Portland, OR – $35,382
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Fremont, CA – $34,783
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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.
