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What is an assembly line operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an assembly line operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $15.18 an hour? That's $31,567 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -5% and produce -45,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreAssembly Line OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $31,567

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
3.8

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.87%

Asian 8.81%

Black or African American 13.88%

Hispanic or Latino 14.96%

Unknown 4.35%

White 57.14%

Gender

female 40.99%

male 59.01%

Age - 45
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45
Stress level
3.8

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
4.1

Complexity level is basic

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Assembly line operator career paths

Key steps to become an assembly line operator

  1. Explore assembly line operator education requirements

    Most common assembly line operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    49.3 %

    Associate

    16.8 %

    Diploma

    15.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific assembly line operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Assembly Line Production27.60%
    Safety Guidelines14.65%
    Production Process13.69%
    Quality Checks6.76%
    Assembly Process6.41%
  3. Complete relevant assembly line operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New assembly line operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an assembly line operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real assembly line operator resumes.
  4. Research assembly line operator duties and responsibilities

    • Follow company guidelines and motivate to accomplish goals and help to troubleshoot to get projects done.
    • Scan BMW and Mercedes car parts on an assembly line.
    • Press bearings and fan blades onto shafts, waterproof cores, balance cores, CNC lathe cut cores, hot drop shafts
    • Operated/Monitore multiple specialize computer numerically control (CNC) machines.
  5. Prepare your assembly line operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your assembly line operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an assembly line operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable assembly line operator resume templates

    Build a professional assembly line operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your assembly line operator resume.
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    Assembly Line Operator Resume
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    Assembly Line Operator Resume
    Assembly Line Operator Resume
    Assembly Line Operator Resume
    Assembly Line Operator Resume
  6. Apply for assembly line operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an assembly line operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first assembly line operator job

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Average assembly line operator salary

The average assembly line operator salary in the United States is $31,567 per year or $15 per hour. Assembly line operator salaries range between $25,000 and $39,000 per year.

Average assembly line operator salary
$31,567 Yearly
$15.18 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do assembly line operators rate their job?

-/5

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Assembly line operator reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2022
Pros

Was always Busy. And was able to see the product tested

Cons

When I run out of work! Because of shortage of parts


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Cons

Short time at work that to day U not working we will call you when we have busy I need a full time job not part time

Pros

It challenging I love challenge to work as a operator it a very challenging job


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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