How To Become A Mechanical Assembler: What It Is and Career Path

What is a mechanical assembler and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A mechanical assembler works in manufacturing to assemble mechanical components and equipment. They use blueprints, schematics, and diagrams to assemble pieces, often using hand tools or machines. Mechanical assemblers may work with metal, plastic, and electronic components to create finished products. They also test and troubleshoot equipment to ensure quality standards. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and precision are important skills for mechanical assemblers. This role typically requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training.

ScoreMechanical AssemblerUS Average

Salary

2.6

Avg. Salary $33,553

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.1

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.42%

Asian 12.22%

Black or African American 8.56%

Hispanic or Latino 20.70%

Unknown 2.57%

White 55.53%

Gender

female 19.23%

male 80.77%

Age - 51

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 - 51

Stress level

6.1

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.6

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a mechanical assembler?

Pros

Good job security due to high demand for mechanical assemblers
Possibility of overtime pay and bonuses
Potential for advancement within the company
Often offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time
Typically involves working indoors in a climate-controlled environment

Cons

Repetitive tasks can become boring or monotonous over time
Can be noisy or loud depending on the work environment
Work schedules may not be flexible or allow for much time off during certain times of year
Some employers may not offer competitive salaries or benefits packages
Work can be highly specialized, limiting future career options outside of the field

Key steps to become a mechanical assembler

Explore mechanical assembler education requirements

Most common mechanical assembler degrees

High School Diploma

36.8 %

Associate

26.3 %

Bachelor's

15.9 %

Start to develop specific mechanical assembler skills

Skills	Percentages
Hand Tools	9.98%
Sub Assemblies	8.23%
Dexterity	6.13%
Assembly Operations	5.05%
Calipers	4.84%

Complete relevant mechanical assembler training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mechanical assemblers 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 a mechanical assembler based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mechanical assembler resumes.

Gain additional mechanical assembler certifications

Mechanical assembler certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific mechanical assembler certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for mechanical assemblers include Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) and IPC Certification Using IPC-7711 and IPC 7721.

More About Certifications

Research mechanical assembler duties and responsibilities

Hand place and assemble components such as transformers, resistors, transistors, capacitors, and integrate circuits.
Assemble cable and harness units in a line environment utilizing manual dexterity.
Solder electronic componentry to PCB board such as resisters, capacitors, diodes, connectors, etc.
Assemble pc boards with resistors diodes transformers potentiometers and other components require for the wave solder machine to mass produce.

Prepare your mechanical assembler resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mechanical assembler 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 a mechanical assembler resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable mechanical assembler resume templates

Build a professional mechanical assembler 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 mechanical assembler resume.