Precision Assemblers

At a Glance

Are skilled workers
Put together objects, from watches to cars
Read and interpret drawings and blueprints
Often work alone
May work overtime
Most train on the job

Career summary

Precision assemblers build complex products from manufactured parts.

Job titles for precision assemblers often reflect the products they make. Some workers may be called electrical and electronic equipment assemblers, electromechanical equipment assemblers, watchmakers, clockmakers, and engine or machine assemblers.

Precision assemblers are skilled workers. They perform a series of complex tasks to produce products such as:

Cars
Watches and clocks
Computers

Precision assemblers may work on the parts that go into products, or on the final assembly of finished products. Precision machine builders put together engines, turbines, and many types of machinery. Assemblers of electrical and electronic equipment build missile control systems, radio or test equipment, and radar. Other assemblers produce and test unusual devices, such as ejection seat mechanisms.

Precision assemblers read drawings and blueprints to learn about the item they will work on. Some assemblers shape parts on metalworking machines or using hand and power tools. Most use parts made by other workers. Assemblers lay out the parts for assembly. They may drill or tap holes in parts to provide openings for wiring. In electrical equipment, they connect wiring according to diagrams.

Precision assemblers inspect and test parts for defects. Some assemblers repair or replace defective parts. Others adjust voltages or redo wiring. Assemblers use a variety of hand and power tools and precision instruments to repair and test parts.

Some assemblers write reports about production, time, and component waste. Others pack finished units for shipment. They may teach customers how to install and maintain their products. They may work with engineers to test products or solve problems, or in teams with other assemblers.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to precision assemblers.

Read and interpret drawings, blueprints, or work orders.
Operate machines to shape or create parts.
Smooth, file, or trim surfaces of parts. Clean and lubricate parts.
Lay out or position parts for assembly. Drill or tap holes if needed for assembly.
Connect electrical wiring according to circuit diagrams.
Inspect and test parts or completed units for defects.
Fasten together, assemble, or install parts or components, according to work orders.
Adjust, repair, or replace damaged parts or assemblies.
Use a variety of hand and power tools and precision instruments to make, assemble, and test parts.
May write and maintain reports of production, time, and waste.
May pack finished assemblies for shipment.
May instruct customers in installation, repair, and maintenance of products.
May work with engineers or technicians to assemble prototypes or test products.

Common work activities

Precision assemblers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Handle and move objects
Get information needed to do the job
Control machines and processes
Identify objects, actions, and events
Make decisions and solve problems
Evaluate information against standards
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Update and use job-related knowledge
Perform activities that use the whole body
Establish and maintain relationships
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Process information

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, precision assemblers:

Interpersonal relationships

Often work as part of a team.
Have a medium level of social contact.
Communicate by telephone or in person. They may also occasionally write e-mails.
Are somewhat responsible for the outcomes and results of work.
Are responsible for the health and safety of other workers.

Physical work conditions

Nearly always work indoors. Machine assemblers sometimes work outdoors.
Often wear protective attire, such as safety goggles, masks, or ear plugs.
Are sometimes exposed to contaminants.
Are sometimes exposed to distracting and uncomfortable noise levels from machinery.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations when working with large metal parts and cutting tools. The likelihood of even slight injury is low.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment. There is some possibility of slight or moderate injury.
Are sometimes exposed to cramped work places when installing machine parts.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions, especially when working with electrical wiring. The likelihood of even slight injury is low.
Sometimes work very near others, such as within a few feet.

Work performance

Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could result in safety hazards, especially for machine assembly workers.
Repeat the same physical activities.
Sometimes have to match their pace of work with the pace of equipment and machinery.
Sometimes make decisions that affect others and their company's reputation. They sometimes act independently, but may seek advice from a supervisor first.
Usually set their daily tasks and goals after speaking to a supervisor.
Must meet strict daily and weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

Usually work a 40-hour week. However, overtime is common in some industries.
May have varied work schedules if plants have more than one shift.

Physical demands

Precision assemblers frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Stand for long periods of time.
Repeat the same movements.

It is important for precision assemblers to be able to:

Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for precision assemblers to be able to:

Understand the speech of another person.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Determine the distance between objects.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Precision assemblers need to:

Communicate

Understand spoken information.
Read and understand work-related materials.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.

Work with things

Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a precision assembler, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some electrical and electronic precision assemblers complete formal training programs. Some professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer electronic technology programs. In these programs you learn how to assemble electronic systems. You also learn about electrical circuitry and testing.

On-the-job training

Most precision assemblers learn their skills on the job. An experienced worker usually leads your training. Some employers provide classroom training. Training generally lasts up to a year, but may last longer depending on the item being assembled.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Blueprint Reading
Computer Fundamentals
Electronics
Equipment Maintenance and Repair
Manufacturing Systems
Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers prefer applicants with at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers of electrical or electronic assemblers may require technical school. Employers usually will accept military training in electronics. Many employers promote less-skilled workers in their companies to jobs as precision assemblers.

Good eyesight, with or without glasses, is required for assemblers who work with small parts. Good color vision is required for electrical and electronics assemblers. All types of precision assemblers need good eye-hand coordination. They also must be able to carry out complex tasks quickly and accurately.

Employers look for applicants who can work as part of a team and have good work habits. Firms with government contracts may require a certificate for soldering. Some employers require applicants to be able to speak, read, and write English. Employers may allow applicants to substitute basic mechanical skills for experience on another job. They might also ask applicants to demonstrate the skills needed to perform a specific task.

Tips

Taking courses such as basic electronics and electricity, component identification, and soldering in high school or at a community or technical college is helpful. Machine shop courses may be helpful. Try out the work as a temporary employee.

Costs to workers

Some precision assemblers may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Currently, there is no statewide specific wage information available for timing device assemblers and adjusters.

Electrical, electronic, and electromechanical assemblers, except coil winders, tapers, and finishers (SOC 51-2028)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$13.32	$15.70	$18.66	$24.64	$30.14
	Monthly	$2,308	$2,721	$3,234	$4,270	$5,223
	Yearly	$27,700	$32,650	$38,820	$51,250	$62,690
Bellingham	Hourly	$12.72	$13.54	$14.89	$18.39	$25.45
	Monthly	$2,204	$2,346	$2,580	$3,187	$4,410
	Yearly	$26,469	$28,161	$30,981	$38,256	$52,925
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$16.50	$18.46	$22.20	$27.38	$32.26
	Monthly	$2,859	$3,199	$3,847	$4,745	$5,591
	Yearly	$34,321	$38,398	$46,160	$56,951	$67,104
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$13.44	$15.07	$17.66	$22.07	$28.68
	Monthly	$2,329	$2,612	$3,060	$3,825	$4,970
	Yearly	$27,955	$31,328	$36,751	$45,915	$59,659
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$15.67	$16.64	$18.24	$22.42	$28.02
	Monthly	$2,716	$2,884	$3,161	$3,885	$4,856
	Yearly	$32,583	$34,623	$37,934	$46,642	$58,277
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$13.89	$15.97	$17.58	$19.10	$26.24
	Monthly	$2,407	$2,768	$3,047	$3,310	$4,547
	Yearly	$28,885	$33,210	$36,581	$39,718	$54,569
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$13.93	$16.41	$19.77	$26.22	$31.13
	Monthly	$2,414	$2,844	$3,426	$4,544	$5,395
	Yearly	$28,982	$34,132	$41,116	$54,520	$64,760
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$12.35	$13.89	$17.51	$22.24	$27.47
	Monthly	$2,140	$2,407	$3,034	$3,854	$4,761
	Yearly	$25,688	$28,890	$36,415	$46,257	$57,152
Vancouver	Hourly	$11.96	$13.93	$16.83	$19.80	$24.90
	Monthly	$2,073	$2,414	$2,917	$3,431	$4,315
	Yearly	$24,873	$28,985	$34,999	$41,180	$51,792
United States	Hourly	$11.00	$13.03	$16.18	$20.16	$24.97
	Monthly	$1,906	$2,258	$2,804	$3,494	$4,327
	Yearly	$22,880	$27,100	$33,660	$41,930	$51,930

Engine and other machine assemblers (SOC 51-2031)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$15.41	$17.55	$21.13	$25.09	$32.59
	Monthly	$2,671	$3,041	$3,662	$4,348	$5,648
	Yearly	$32,050	$36,500	$43,940	$52,180	$67,800
Vancouver	Hourly	$14.48	$16.98	$20.71	$23.94	$26.20
	Monthly	$2,509	$2,943	$3,589	$4,149	$4,540
	Yearly	$30,120	$35,306	$43,088	$49,802	$54,512
United States	Hourly	$13.74	$16.52	$21.34	$27.09	$30.37
	Monthly	$2,381	$2,863	$3,698	$4,695	$5,263
	Yearly	$28,590	$34,350	$44,380	$56,340	$63,170

Timing device assemblers and adjusters (SOC 51-2093)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Wages for this occupation are not available.
United States	Hourly	$12.56	$13.84	$16.66	$21.13	$26.12
	Monthly	$2,177	$2,398	$2,887	$3,662	$4,527
	Yearly	$26,120	$28,790	$34,650	$43,950	$54,320

Wages vary by industry and area of the country. Wages also vary based on the worker's skill and level of education. The complexity of the machinery operated, and the products assembled also affects wages. In addition, wages may be higher for union members.

Benefits vary by employer. Most full-time precision assemblers receive benefits. Typical benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers (SOC 51-2031)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	1,376	10.0%	16.1%	172
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	51	19.6%	13.4%	7
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	30	16.7%	15.2%	4
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	23	8.7%	14.1%	3
King County	448	17.6%	19.6%	65
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	15	0.0%	13.8%	2
Pierce County	293	-1.7%	15.2%	27
United States	48,700	-16.6%	5.2%	4,500

Timing Device Assemblers, Adjusters, and Calibrators (SOC 51-2093)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
United States	800	-25.0%	5.2%	100

Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (SOC 51-2028)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
United States	279,600	-3.0%	5.2%	30,500

National employment

Major employers:

Semiconductor and other electronic components manufacturers
Navigational and control instruments manufacturers
Electrical equipment manufacturers
Computer manufacturers
Communications equipment manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will decline. Two factors will contribute to this decline for precision assemblers. One will be increasing automation. As more manufacturers use machines and robots to perform tasks once done by workers, fewer assemblers will be needed. Another factor will be growing international production. Many companies will send work to countries where labor costs are lower. The most growth will occur in the aircraft parts and manufacturing.

Job openings will occur as current workers leave the field. Job prospects are best for those with vocational training and certifications.

Other resources

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
900 Seventh Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.833.7000

Washington Business Week
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

Manufacturing

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupations

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.