Highest-Paying Assembly Line Worker Jobs [2023]

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 assembly line workers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of assembly line workers:

• Lining Machine Operator is the highest-paid type of assembly line worker with an average salary of $36,213 and an average hourly rate of $17.41.

• The second highest-paying type of assembly line worker is assembly technician, with an average salary of $34,952.

• The average assembly line worker salary is $27,929 per year, and the average hourly pay is $13.43.

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 assembly line worker, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of assembly line workers are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of assembly line workers:

1. Lining Machine Operator

   Average Salary: $36,213

2. 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.

3. Line Operator

   Average Salary: $34,520

   A line operator is responsible for assisting in warehouse and factory operations, usually assigned on doing heavy works for the production. Line operators’ duties include operating manufacturing machines and equipment, placing products on the appropriate shelves, checking supplies and inventories, loading orders for shipments, inspecting products for any defects, labeling products accurately, adhering to the safety procedures to prevent product contamination, and observing sanitary regulations. A line operator must have comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, as well as the ability to multi-task, especially on meeting deadlines and processing customers’ orders.

4. 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.

5. Production Assistant

   Average Salary: $33,405

   Production assistants are employees in show business, working behind the scenes. They work in film, television, or even theatre sets primarily to provide support. They usually work directly under directors or producers. Production assistants are responsible for ensuring that the day will run smoothly, be it for a television or film shoot or a performance at the theatre. They should be familiar with all the scenes, ensure that the cast and crew are ready, and cue them when it is their time to go on. They should also be able to anticipate needs that may arise and should be able to quickly mitigate any challenges. Production assistants should be flexible and have quick decision-making skills.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various assembly line worker that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Assembly Line Workers

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 assembly line workers.

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 Assembly Line Worker Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid assembly line worker job?

   The highest-paid assembly line worker job is a lining machine operator. Lining Machine Operators earn an average salary of $36,213, which is $ 17.41 hourly.

2. What is a good salary for an assembly line worker?

   A good salary for an assembly line worker is $27,929 or more. The average assembly line worker salary is $27,929, so those making at least $27,929 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average assembly line worker 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 assembly line worker, the average entry level salary is $22,859, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $27,929 average, as this includes all assembly line workers of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Assembly Line Worker jobs pay well?

   No, assembly line worker jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some assembly line worker jobs pay better than others, but the average assembly line worker salary of $27,929 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many assembly line worker jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of assembly line workers earning $34,806 a year on average.

   Assembly Line Workers’ 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 assembly line worker. Do your research on the going rate for an assembly line worker in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do assembly line workers get paid the most?

   Assembly Line Workers get paid the most in South Dakota. In South Dakota, assembly line workers earn an average annual salary of $33,435 and an average hourly wage of $16.07.

   Following SD, the states with the highest-paid assembly line workers are Washington, Idaho, and Connecticut, with average annual salaries of $36,236, $34,775, and $34,945 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid assembly line worker salaries are:

   1. Bellingham, WA – $36,645

   2. Post Falls, ID – $36,088

   3. Blaine, MN – $33,017

Author

Chris Kolmar

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.