Team Assemblers
Machines can already do 23% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 62%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Team Assemblers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 23% of this job's tasks.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2033, and 62% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Contact with people: it scores 66% for contact with people.
- Also called: Assembler, Assembly Associate, Assembly Line Machine Operator, Assembly Line Worker.
- Competency here means how well the best AI model, tool or robot available can do a task, scored out of 100: today using the best available now, and for later years the 311 prediction of what AI and robots will be able to do.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotate through all the tasks required in a particular production process | 51% | 20% to 60% | |
| Perform quality checks on products and parts | 10% | 20% to 60% | |
| Package finished products and prepare them for shipment | 9% | 20% to 60% | |
| Review work orders and blueprints to ensure work is performed according to specifications | 5% | 55% to 85% | |
| Shovel, sweep, or otherwise clean work areas | 5% | 20% to 60% | |
| Provide assistance in the production of wiring assemblies | 4% | 3% to 30% | |
| Maintain production equipment and machinery | 4% | 20% to 60% | |
| Operate machinery and heavy equipment, such as forklifts | 4% | 30% to 75% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills team assemblers use most, most used first.
Human value: what makes people in this job hard to replace
How much team assemblers rely on each one, from 0 to 10. 311 estimates, medium confidence.
- Go-to problem solver5/10
- Trust and reliability5/10
- Know-how about the organisation4/10
- Network and relationships4/10
- Mentoring and developing others5/10
- Culture and morale5/10
- Initiative beyond the role3/10
- Calm in a crisis4/10
- Bridge between teams4/10
- Reputation and influence3/10
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment50% of tasks by 2035 · US median $84,890
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers54% of tasks by 2035 · US median $47,810
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers55% of tasks by 2035 · US median $74,330
- Lighting Technicians52% of tasks by 2035 · US median $68,060
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 Team 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 team assemblers?
Machines can do 23% of the tasks of team assemblers today and 62% 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 51-2092.00 (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, forecast and human value: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit (human value scores are 311 estimates, medium confidence); after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Team Assemblers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/team-assemblers/