Engine and other machine assemblers
SOC Code: 51-2031
Engine and other machine assemblers carries a 18% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $52,540 and -21.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 38,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 18% AI exposure, Engine and other machine assemblers sits 19 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 4% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Engine and other machine assemblers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Engine and other machine assemblers has ai exposure of 18%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Engine and other machine assemblers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Engine and other machine assemblers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Engine and other machine assemblers (SOC 51-2031) carries an AI exposure score of 18%, placing it in the Low automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 38,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -21.1% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $52,540, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Engine and other machine assemblers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Read and interpret assembly blueprints or specifications manuals, and plan assembly or building operations.
- 2. Inspect, operate, and test completed products to verify functioning, machine capabilities, or conformance to customer specifications.
- 3. Position or align components for assembly, manually or using hoists.
- 4. Set and verify parts clearances.
- 5. Verify conformance of parts to stock lists or blueprints, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauges, or micrometers.
- 6. Fasten or install piping, fixtures, or wiring and electrical components to form assemblies or subassemblies, using hand tools, rivet guns, or welding equipment.
- 7. Remove rough spots and smooth surfaces to fit, trim, or clean parts, using hand tools or power tools.
- 8. Lay out and drill, ream, tap, or cut parts for assembly.
- 9. Rework, repair, or replace damaged parts or assemblies.
- 10. Assemble systems of gears by aligning and meshing gears in gearboxes.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Quality Control Analysis
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Complex Problem Solving
- Operation and Control
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Design
- Education and Training
- English Language
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Engine and other machine assemblers?
Engine and other machine assemblers has an AI exposure score of 18%, indicating a low level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Engine and other machine assemblers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Engine and other machine assemblers is projected to decline by 21.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 38,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Engine and other machine assemblers?
Key skills for Engine and other machine assemblers include Operations Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Quality Control Analysis, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Engine and other machine assemblers earn?
The median annual wage for Engine and other machine assemblers is $52,540, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Engine and other machine assemblers?
The typical entry-level education for Engine and other machine assemblers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Engine and other machine assemblers?
Engine and other machine assemblers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).