Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Machines can already do 21% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 59%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 21% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2033, and 59% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 34,000 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $53,710 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 71% for contact with people.
- Also called: Assembler, Assembly Line Worker, Cell Technician, Engine Assembler.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Position or align components for assembly, manually or using hoists | 20% | 20% to 60% | |
| Fasten or install piping, fixtures, or wiring and electrical components to form assemblies or subassemblies, using hand tools, rivet guns, or welding equipment | 17% | 20% to 60% | |
| Inspect, operate, and test completed products to verify functioning, machine capabilities, or conformance to customer specifications | 11% | 20% to 60% | |
| Rework, repair, or replace damaged parts or assemblies | 9% | 3% to 30% | |
| Read and interpret assembly blueprints or specifications manuals, and plan assembly or building operations | 7% | 48% to 80% | |
| Set and verify parts clearances | 7% | 20% to 60% | |
| Verify conformance of parts to stock lists or blueprints, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauges, or micrometers | 7% | 20% to 60% | |
| Remove rough spots and smooth surfaces to fit, trim, or clean parts, using hand tools or power tools | 6% | 20% to 60% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills engine and other machine 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.
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation58% of tasks by 2035 · US median $92,100
- Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons55% of tasks by 2035 · US median $61,290
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners56% of tasks by 2035 · US median $49,880
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic57% of tasks by 2035 · US median $47,720
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Engine and Other Machine Assemblers?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2033. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of engine and other machine assemblers?
Machines can do 21% of the tasks of engine and other machine assemblers today and 59% 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 51-2031.00 (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). Engine and Other Machine Assemblers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/engine-and-other-machine-assemblers/