Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Machines can already do 22% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 58%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 22% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 5% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2034, and 58% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 34,020 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $65,380 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 65% for contact with people.
- Also called: Aircraft Assembler, Aircraft Line Assembler, Assembler, Assembly Riveter.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps | 16% | 20% to 60% | |
| Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts | 7% | 84% to 97% | |
| Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment | 7% | 20% to 60% | |
| Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation | 7% | 3% to 30% | |
| Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies | 6% | 20% to 60% | |
| Align, fit, assemble, connect, or install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, or power tools | 6% | 20% to 60% | |
| Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding | 5% | 20% to 60% | |
| Cut, trim, file, bend, or smooth parts to ensure proper fit and clearance | 5% | 20% to 60% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Riggers52% of tasks by 2035 · US median $62,640
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians56% of tasks by 2035 · US median $39,460
- Mechanical Door Repairers52% of tasks by 2035 · US median $55,720
- Rail Car Repairers40% of tasks by 2035 · US median $67,530
What should you do about it?
Open this job in the Workforce Starburst to see it for your country, then use these to act on it.
Watch This Job
Get told when the outlook for this job changes.
Free planSkills to learn next
The skills that make this job, or the next one, last longer.
In the StarburstCheck your readiness
Ten quick questions on how ready you are.
FreeAsk Vantage
Ask what this job means for you and get a sourced answer.
Free to askFutures Academy courses
Courses matched to your gaps.
Coming soonPay trend
Where pay for this job is heading.
Coming soonTeam plan
Every role in your team, side by side, with a plan for each.
Pro and CorporateShared workspace
Work through it with your team, with notes and decisions kept.
Pro and Corporate
Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2034. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers?
Machines can do 22% of the tasks of aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers today and 58% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 51-2011.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/aircraft-structure-surfaces-rigging-and-systems-assemblers/