Why Electrical and Electronic Assembler Jobs Are Booming?

Jul 16

If you’re looking for a job that doesn’t require a degree but still offers steady hours, practical skills, and long-term opportunities, working as an Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assembler might be exactly what you need.

This role sits at the heart of several growing industries—like clean energy, consumer electronics, and electric vehicles. The work is hands-on, technical, and focused. And the best part? You can get started with just a high school diploma and a willingness to learn.

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What Do Electronic and Electrical Assemblers Do?

At its core, this job is about assembling or modifying electronic systems and components. Depending on your employer, you might work on everything from power supplies and sensors to motors, circuit boards, or telemetering devices.

Your day-to-day could include:

Reading blueprints or schematic diagrams to follow assembly instructions
Using tools like soldering irons, screwdrivers, and wire strippers
Installing wiring or subassemblies into casings or machines
Testing systems to make sure they function correctly
Labeling, cleaning, or packaging completed parts
Documenting your work or updating digital logs

This is a job for people who like to work with their hands, follow a process, and take pride in getting things right. It’s not physically exhausting like warehouse lifting, but it does require standing for long periods and making repetitive motions with precision.

Where You'll Likely Work—and Why That Matters

Electrical and electronic assemblers are found in a wide range of industries—but most of them (nearly 88%) work in manufacturing settings.

Top industries include:

Semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing
Automotive and EV battery production
Aerospace and defense
Medical equipment manufacturing
Electrical equipment and control systems

These aren’t grimy factory jobs. Most worksites are clean, well-lit, and temperature controlled. You’ll likely work at a workstation or along a production line, using both your hands and tools to build or repair precision components. The environment is structured, which means consistent expectations—and usually, consistent hours.

For job seekers transitioning from unpredictable schedules or physically intense labor, this role often appeals because it offers a mix of stability and skill without high barriers to entry.

How Much Can You Earn?

Wages for electrical and electronic assemblers can vary quite a bit depending on where you work and what you're building.

According to the most recent government data (BLS, May 2023), the typical assembler earns around $19.47 an hour, or about $40,490 a year. The national average wage is a bit higher, at $21.03 an hour—and those in the top 10% of the field make over $59,000 annually.

But where you work makes a big difference.

Assemblers in higher-tech industries tend to earn more. For example:

Motor vehicle manufacturing: around $64,100/year
Aerospace and defense: about $60,300/year
Scientific research and development: roughly $60,830/year

And if you’re based in one of the higher-paying states, the numbers go up again. Some standouts include:

Maryland – $62,610
Connecticut – $52,580
Washington – $50,840
California – $49,130

So even without a college degree, if you get into the right industry or location, an assembler job can become a dependable and family-supporting career

Is There Demand?

Yes—and it’s growing.

There are currently more than 267,000 people working in this role across the U.S. According to BLS projections, this job is expected to grow faster than average (6–8%) through 2033.

Why? Because industries like clean energy, EV manufacturing, and electronics are expanding. And they need skilled people to build the tech behind the scenes.

That’s a good sign for job seekers. It means this isn’t just a job for today—it’s a role with staying power.

Do You Need Experience or a Degree?

Most employers are looking for candidates with a high school diploma or GED. No college degree required.

That said, here’s what helps you stand out:

Comfort using tools like soldering irons, calipers, or multimeters
Ability to read basic diagrams or work orders
A steady hand and attention to detail
Any prior hands-on experience—even from related jobs or hobbies

Many companies offer on-the-job training, and there are even apprenticeship programs available through. If you’re new to the field, this is a learn-by-doing environment. What matters most is showing up, being consistent, and staying focused.

What If You've Never Worked in Manufacturing?

That’s okay. This role is often a great entry point. If you’ve worked in warehousing, retail, or food service, you already have transferable skills—like following instructions, working in a team, and staying on schedule.

The key difference? This job teaches you a skill you can grow into a career. You’re not just clocking in—you’re building products that power entire industries.

Can You Grow in This Role?

Absolutely. While you might start by assembling parts on a production line, there’s room to move up.

With time and experience, many assemblers step into roles such as:

Quality control technician
Team lead or shift supervisor
Machine setup or maintenance support
Technical support for engineering teams

In higher-paying sectors like aerospace or automotive, experienced assemblers often train newer workers or specialize in more complex equipment—both of which come with higher wages and greater responsibility.

Is Assembly Work a Stepping Stone to Engineering?

If you're hoping to become an electrical engineer or move into system design roles, starting as an assembler may not always be the fast track. The jump from assembly to design work is rare—unless you’re also working toward a degree or already have one in progress.

That doesn’t mean assembler roles are dead ends. They offer valuable hands-on experience and can help you understand how components come together, how testing works, and how real-world systems behave. But if your long-term goal is design, testing, or systems engineering, you'll likely need to pursue further education or certifications in parallel.

Bottom line? It depends on your plan. If you're using the job to gain industry exposure while you study or earn certifications, it’s a smart move. But if you're expecting it to automatically lead to a design role, you may want to look at technician or test engineering paths instead.

Is This the Right Fit for You?

This role may be a strong match if:

You like building things and working with your hands
You enjoy structured, focused work
You prefer consistency over chaos
You want to learn practical skills you can grow into a career
You're looking for a stable job that pays fairly and doesn’t require a degree

For many, this job offers a rare combination: work that’s active, indoors, and predictable. You’re not dealing with customers or chasing sales—just real work, done right, with room to improve over time.

Looking for work now?

Staffing agencies like Timpl specialize in placing job seekers in light industrial and manufacturing roles, including electrical and electronic assembly. Whether you're experienced or just getting started, we can help you find the right fit.

Connect with TIMPL to day to explore exciting assembler jobs near you.