Wages vary by industry, geographic region, skill, educational level, and complexity of the machinery operated. Median hourly wages of team assemblers were $12.32 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $9.75 and $15.60. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.20, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $19.69. Median hourly wages in the manufacturing industries employing the largest numbers of team assemblers were as follows:
Motor vehicle manufacturing
$24.91
Motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing
14.13
Motor vehicle parts manufacturing
13.76
Plastics product manufacturing
11.31
Employment services
9.61
Median hourly wages of electrical and electronic equipment assemblers were $13.22 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $10.52 and $16.85. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.77, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $21.15. Median hourly wages in the manufacturing industries employing the largest numbers of electrical and electronic equipment assemblers were as follows:
Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing
$14.76
Electrical equipment manufacturing
13.25
Other electrical equipment and component manufacturing
12.62
Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing
12.59
Employment services
10.68
In May 2008, other assemblers and fabricators had the following median hourly wages:
Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
$21.22
Engine and other machine assemblers
15.70
Structural metal fabricators and fitters
15.58
Electromechanical equipment assemblers
14.11
Timing device assemblers, adjusters, and calibrators
13.73
Fiberglass laminators and fabricators
13.48
Coil winders, tapers, and finishers
13.33
Assemblers and fabricators, all other
13.37
Some assemblers and fabricators are members of labor unions. These unions include the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; and the United Steelworkers of America.
