Aircraft Assemblers and Aircraft Assembly Inspectors

(NOC 9521)

in All Manufacturing and Utilities

Aircraft assemblers assemble, fit and install prefabricated parts to manufacture fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft or aircraft subassemblies. Aircraft assembly inspectors inspect aircraft assemblies to make sure they meet engineering specifications. They work for aircraft and aircraft subassembly manufacturers.

Job Outlook

Average

Read more

  • Estimate Moderate growth employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 55 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate Low rate of unemployment in 2022

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

  • Estimate 435 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 1945 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

$15.00

Minimum

$21.90

Median

$27.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$22,320

Minimum

$38,398

Median

$67,350

Maximum

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

Hourly Pay

$14.00

Minimum

$20.80

Median

$33.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$6,056

Minimum

$30,111

Median

$70,518

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Aircraft assemblers assemble, fit and install prefabricated parts to manufacture fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft or aircraft subassemblies. Aircraft assembly inspectors inspect aircraft assemblies to make sure they meet engineering specifications. They work for aircraft and aircraft subassembly manufacturers.

Job duties

Aircraft assemblers:

  • Read and interpret aircraft assembly diagrams.
  • Assemble and fit prefabricated parts to form subassemblies, working at benches or directly on an aircraft structure.
  • Assemble, fit and install prefabricated parts and subassemblies like aircraft skins, flight controls, rigging, hydraulics and other mechanical systems.

Aircraft assembly inspectors:

  • Inspect aircraft assemblies, using measuring and testing equipment to make sure they meet engineering specifications.
  • Inspect assemblies for alignment, symmetry, dimensions, fit and quality of workmanship.
  • Complete detailed inspection documentation.

Sample job titles

  • aircraft assembler
  • aircraft assembly inspector
  • airframe assembler
  • bench and structural assembler
  • bench fitter mechanic
  • rigger
  • wing tank mechanic

Skills

  • This work requires excellent spatial perception, form perception, and eye-to-finger coordination. You must be accurate and able to pay close attention to detail. A keen interest in working with machines and routine processes is necessary. You should also be physically fit and have good eyesight and hearing.

Job requirements

  • Completion of high school is required.
  • A college or other program in aviation or aeronautical technology, with emphasis in aircraft manufacturing, may be required.
  • Aircraft assemblers receive several months of on-the-job and classroom training.
  • Aircraft assembly inspectors require experience as an aircraft assembler.

Other considerations

  • Aircraft assemblers and assembly inspectors may move to supervisor positions with experience. Self-employment in these jobs is rare, and work is not typically seasonal.

By the numbers

Quick look

170

employed in 2016

94.1%

employed full-time

0.0%

self employed

17.6%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
82.4%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
50.3

median age

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

15,275

employed in 2016

83.2%

employed full-time

3.2%

self employed

27.6%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
72.4%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
44.7

median age

Where will I likely work?

55.6%

Southern

$36,711 median annual income
25.0%

North Shore

$39,792 median annual income
8.3%

Halifax

N/A
5.6%

Cape Breton

N/A
5.6%

Annapolis Valley

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

100.0%

Manufacturing

What is the age of Employment?

33.0%

55-64

27.0%

45-54

12.0%

35-44

12.0%

25-34

9.0%

15-24

6.0%

65+

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

24.5%

45-54

20.8%

55-64

19.3%

35-44

16.5%

25-34

15.0%

15-24

Top levels of education

55.9%

High school

$35,956 median annual income
23.5%

College Diploma

$44,779 median annual income
11.8%

Trade Certification

N/A
5.9%

Bachelor

N/A

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

38.1%

High school

$28,505 median annual income
23.3%

Less than high school

$19,224 median annual income
19.9%

College Diploma

$38,781 median annual income
12.2%

Trade Certification

$43,975 median annual income
4.5%

Bachelor

$39,715 median annual income

Education & training

Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technician

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all aircraft components other than engines, propellers, avionics, and instruments. They include courses in layout and fabrication of sheet metal, fabric, wood, and other materials into structural members, parts, and fittings, and replacement of damaged or worn parts such as control cables and hydraulic units.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

High School Diploma or Equivalent

High School Program

Adults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Community Learning Organizations

Various, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile

Contacts

Air Transport Association of Canada
Ottawa, ON

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.