Precision Assemblers
Precision assemblers build complex products from manufactured parts.
Precision assemblers are skilled workers. They perform a series of complex tasks to produce a wide range of products such as cars, watches and clocks, and computers.
Precision Assemblers are in the Manufacturing career cluster and the Production pathway.
Quick Facts
Wages: |
Below the statewide median
$14.62 / hour Read more about wages |
Outlook: |
Percent Growth
-2.4% Shrinking Read more about outlook |
Education & Training: |
Short-term on-the-job training (1 month or less) is common. |
On the Job: |
Work Activities
Assess your skills |
Job Title Examples: |
Amateur Assembler,
Assembly Line Worker,
Breaker Units Assembler
See more job title examples |
Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and CareerOneStop.
Wages & Outlook
Wages
Wages for precision assemblers vary based on the products they assemble. Wages for several types of precision assemblers are given below.
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 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.
View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:
- Timing Device Assemblers, Adjusters, and Calibrators
- Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
- Team Assemblers
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators
Employment
In Minnesota, about 7,536 precision assemblers work in this medium-sized occupation.
Major employers:
- Semiconductor and other electronic components manufacturers
- Navigational and control instruments manufacturers
- Electrical equipment manufacturers
- Computer manufacturers
- Communications equipment manufacturers
Outlook
Two factors will limit growth 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.
Despite the decline in the number of jobs, many openings will occur as current workers leave the field.
| Employment | Employment Change | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| U S | 182,900 | 172,400 | -10,400 | -5.7% |
| Minnesota | 5,178 | 5,053 | -125 | -2.4% |
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| Central Minnesota | 243 | 247 | 4 | 1.6% |
| Northeast Minnesota | 206 | 232 | 26 | 12.6% |
| Northwest Minnesota | 288 | 329 | 41 | 14.2% |
| Southeast Minnesota | 620 | 621 | 1 | 0.2% |
| Southwest Minnesota | 571 | 551 | -20 | -3.5% |
| Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN | 3,287 | 3,189 | -98 | -3% |
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.
On the Job
Overview
Precision assemblers build complex products from manufactured parts.
Daylight savings time, a 30-day month, a stalled watch battery. These are the usual reasons to have to change the time or date on your watch. This should be a simple task, but it often can be quite difficult! The dial on most watches is very small and it takes a fair amount of finger control to operate. Now imagine what it's like to put together a watch, from start to finish. The inside of a watch contains many small parts and watches themselves are complex. It takes the skill of a very special worker to accomplish this.Precision assemblers are skilled workers. They perform a series of complex tasks to produce a wide range of products. For example, they assemble cars, watches and clocks, and computers. They 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 first 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. However, most assemblers use parts made by other workers. Next, assemblers lay out or position the parts for assembly. They may drill or tap holes in parts to provide openings for wiring or assembly. In electrical equipment, they connect wiring according to diagrams. Finally, they put together or install parts or components.
Precision assemblers also inspect and test parts for defects. They measure parts to make sure they are the right size. They also test completed units. Some assemblers repair or replace defective parts. Others adjust voltages or redo wiring. Watch and clock assemblers take apart timepieces to diagnose and repair them. In all of these tasks, assemblers use a variety of hand and power tools and precision instruments.
Some assemblers write reports about production, time, and component waste. Some pack finished units for shipment. Some teach customers how to install and maintain their products. Others work with engineers to test products or solve problems. In addition, assemblers may work in teams, or manufacturing "cells." This concept emphasizes teamwork in the production process.
Work Activities
The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.
- 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.
People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.
- Inspect equipment, structures, or materials.
- Handle and move objects.
- Get information needed to do the job.
- Identify objects, actions, and events.
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
- Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
- Control machines and processes.
- Evaluate information against standards.
- Make decisions and solve problems.
- Perform activities that use the whole body.
- Judge the value of objects, services, or people.
- Establish and maintain relationships.
- Update and use job-related knowledge.
- Teach others.
- Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
- Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed.
- Repair and maintain mechanical equipment.
- Think creatively.
- Coach others.
Working Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Interpersonal Relationships
Physical Work Conditions
Work Performance
Hours/Travel
Physical Demands
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
- Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Stand to fabricate and install large parts.
- Repeat movements over and over.
- Sit to assemble small parts and components.
- Use fingers or hands to grasp, move, or assemble 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.
- Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
- Understand the speech of another person.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
- Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
- See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
- Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
- Determine the distance between objects.
- Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
- Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
- React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet when responding to signals.
- Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
- Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
- Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
- Use muscles and be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
People in this career frequently:
It is important for people in this career to be able to:
It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Education & Training
Preparation
To work as a precision assembler, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or GED; and
- complete 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 about a month, but may last longer depending on the item being assembled.
Related Programs (Current training programs available)
- Electromechanical Technology/Electromechanical Engineering Technology
- Robotics Technology/Technician
- Electromechanical & Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Communications Systems Installation and Repair Technology.
- Industrial Electronics Technology/Technician.
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician
- Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology
- Watchmaking and Jewelrymaking
- Engine Machinist
- Marine Maintenance/Fitter & Ship Repair Technology/Technician
Fields of Study (What to study to prepare for this career)
Click on any of the Fields of Study listed below to find out more about preparing for this career.
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Bicycle Mechanics and Repair
- Electrical & Electronics Equip Installation and Repair
- Manufacturing Technology
- Precision Crafting and Repair
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 occupation 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.
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Skills
People in this career need to:
- Read and understand written information.
- Listen to others, understand, and ask questions.
- Express ideas clearly when speaking.
- Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
- Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
- Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
- Identify problems and review information. Develop, review, and apply solutions.
- Use math skills to solve problems.
- Manage the time of self and others.
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
- Obtain needed equipment, facilities, and materials and oversee their use.
- Be aware of others' reactions and change behavior in relation to them.
- Teach others and self how to do something.
- Test and inspect products or equipment. Evaluate quality or performance.
- Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
- Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Repair and maintain parts or machines.
- Install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
- Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- Operate and control equipment.
- Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
- Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
Communicate
Reason and Problem Solve
Use Math and Science
Manage Oneself, People, Time and Things
Work with People
Work with Things
Perceive and Visualize
Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:
- Mechanical: Knowledge of designing, using, and repairing machines and tools.
- Production and Processing: Knowledge of how products are made and supplied.
- Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of providing special services to customers based on their needs.
- English Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English language.
- Education and Training: Knowledge of teaching and the methods involved in learning and instruction.
Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:
- Consider support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where they are trained well.
- Consider relationships important. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive environment. They like to do things for other people. They prefer jobs where they are not pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
- Have realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.
- Have conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority to follow.
- Have investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out solutions to problems mentally.
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Tools & Technology for Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
Tools
Adjustable widemouth pliers
| Power saws
|
Technology
Analytical or scientific software
| Network connectivity terminal emulation software
|
Licensing / Certification
Certification Details
Certifications are examinations that test or enhance your knowledge, experience or skills in an occupation or profession.
There are 5 certifications related to this career.
Licensing Details
No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career.
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and CareerOneStop.
Jobs
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Hiring Practices
Most employers prefer applicants with at least a high school diploma or GED. 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.
Advancement Opportunities
Experienced precision assemblers may advance to jobs that require more skill and have more responsibility. Some assemblers may become product repairers. They can also advance to quality control or supervisor jobs. In some companies, assemblers with a background in math and computers may become operators of highly automated equipment. Some assemblers become members of research and development teams.
Job Title Examples
Amateur Assembler, Assembly Line Worker, Breaker Units Assembler, Calibrator, Engine Assembler, Factory Assembler, Gear Assembler, Jet Engine Assembler, Production Worker, Watch Technician, Assembler, Assembly Worker, Electronic Assembler, Watchmaker
Similar Careers
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If you are looking to broaden your job search,
these careers require similar skills. Click on the names to link to their career profile.
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Related Industries
Below are industries related to Precision Assemblers you may be interested in reading about. Employers in these industries typically hire
Precision Assemblers. Click on the names to link to their industry profile.
Business Management And Support Services
Computers And Electronic Products
Electrical Equipment
Instruments And Medical Devices
Machinery Manufacturing
Transportation Equipment
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.
