AITakeover Tracker
33%medium risk

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.

Green Enhanced SkillsHigher risk than 57% of occupations

AI Impact Summary

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 33/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 57% of all analyzed occupations. Of 30 analyzed tasks, 4 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.

Skill Impact Analysis

AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)

Mathematics10%

High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Information Ordering5%

High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Reading Comprehension10%

Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Mathematics10%

Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Memorization5%

Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Programming15%

Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

AI-Resistant Skills (11)

Adaptability/Flexibility85%

Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Manual Dexterity80%

Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Leadership88%

Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Complex Problem Solving75%

Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Equipment Maintenance78%

Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Instructing75%

Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Coordination70%

Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Social Perceptiveness90%

Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

AI-Augmented Skills (7)

MonitoringCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningSystems AnalysisWritingTechnology Design

Recommended Courses

Courses matched to Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.

Get personalized recommendations. Answer a few questions about your experience and skills to get course suggestions tailored specifically to you.

Upskill to Reduce Risk

Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills

DataCampbeginner

SQL Fundamentals Skill Track

by DataCamp

21 hours$25/mo4.7Certificate
Addresses vulnerability: Information Ordering

Estimated Impact

-7pt risk+$3K/yr salary

AI-Augmentation Tools

Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity

Pluralsightbeginner

Cybersecurity Fundamentals Path

by Pluralsight

30 hours$29/mo4.5Certificate
Enhances AI augmentation: Monitoring

Estimated Impact

-4.9pt risk+$3K/yr salary

Strengthen Your Edge

Double down on skills AI can't replicate

Coursera

Inspired Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence

by Case Western Reserve University

32 hours$49/mo4.8Certificate
Strengthens resilience: Adaptability/Flexibility

Estimated Impact

-3.7pt risk+$3K/yr salary

We may earn a commission when you enroll through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the Takeover Tracker.

Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.

Education & Training

Percentage of workers at each education and training level

Education Level

Less than High School3%
High School Diploma55%
Some College16%
Post-Secondary Certificate1%
Associate's Degree10%
Bachelor's Degree16%

Prior Experience Needed

Work experience required to enter this job

None22%
6 months - 1 year18%
1-2 years25%
2-4 years20%
4-6 years4%
6-8 years9%
Over 10 years2%

Training Provided After Hiring

How long it typically takes to learn on the job

Up to 1 month1%
1-3 months43%
3-6 months26%
6 months - 1 year16%
1-2 years12%
2-4 years2%
6-8 years1%

How AI Impacts Each Task

30 tasks analyzed

Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 35EstimatedTime: 6%

Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.

Risk: 62.1%AI: 32.17ObservedTime: 6%

Set, align, adjust, or synchronize aircraft armament or rigging or control system components to established tolerances or requirements using sighting devices and hand tools.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 4%

Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.

Risk: 49.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 5%

Join structural assemblies, such as wings, tails, or fuselage.

Risk: 51.0%AI: 45EstimatedTime: 4%

Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment.

Risk: 78.0%AI: 72EstimatedTime: 5%

Position and align subassemblies in jigs or fixtures, using measuring instruments and following blueprint lines and index points.

Risk: 49.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 4%

Cut, trim, file, bend, or smooth parts to ensure proper fit and clearance.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 5%

Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation.

Risk: 9.0%AI: 0EstimatedTime: 5%

Layout and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts or components, using jigs, templates, or measuring and marking instruments.

Risk: 84.0%AI: 87EstimatedTime: 4%

Fabricate parts needed for assembly or installation, using shop machinery or equipment.

Risk: 61.0%AI: 70EstimatedTime: 4%

Assemble prototypes or integrated-technology demonstrators of new or emerging environmental technologies for aircraft.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 3%

Swage fittings onto cables, using swaging machines.

Risk: 51.0%AI: 45EstimatedTime: 2%

Manually install structural assemblies or signal crane operators to position assemblies for joining.

Risk: 11.0%AI: 5EstimatedTime: 3%

Align, fit, assemble, connect, or install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, or power tools.

Risk: 49.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 4%

Clean, oil, or coat system components as necessary before assembly or attachment.

Risk: 51.0%AI: 45EstimatedTime: 3%

Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies.

Risk: 49.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 4%

Set up or operate machines or systems to crimp, cut, bend, form, swage, flare, bead, burr, or straighten tubing, according to specifications.

Risk: 61.0%AI: 70EstimatedTime: 3%

Place and connect control cables to electronically controlled units, using hand tools, ring locks, cotter keys, threaded connectors, turnbuckles, or related devices.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 35EstimatedTime: 3%

Monitor robotic assembly equipment, such as snake-arm robots, used to assemble, seal, or swage aircraft structures.

Risk: 86.0%AI: 92EstimatedTime: 2%

Install mechanical linkages and actuators, using tensiometers to verify tension of cables.

Risk: 49.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 2%

Install accessories in swaging machines, using hand tools.

Risk: 49.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 2%

Clean aircraft structures, parts, or components, using aqueous, semi-aqueous, aliphatic hydrocarbon, or organic solvent cleaning products or techniques to reduce carbon or other harmful emissions.

Risk: 51.0%AI: 45EstimatedTime: 2%

Mark identifying information on tubing or cable assemblies, using etching devices, labels, rubber stamps, or other methods.

Risk: 61.0%AI: 70EstimatedTime: 3%

Verify dimensions of cable assemblies or positions of fittings, using measuring instruments.

Risk: 84.0%AI: 87EstimatedTime: 2%

Weld tubing and fittings or solder cable ends, using tack-welders, induction brazing chambers, or other equipment.

Risk: 13.0%AI: 10EstimatedTime: 2%

Splice cables, using clamps and fittings, or reweave cable strands.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 35EstimatedTime: 2%

Fit and fasten sheet metal coverings to surface areas or other sections of aircraft prior to welding or riveting.

Risk: 49.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 2%

Capture or segregate waste material, such as aluminum swarf, machine cutting fluid, or solvents, for recycling or environmentally responsible disposal.

Risk: 51.0%AI: 45EstimatedTime: 2%

Cut cables and tubing, using master templates, measuring instruments, and cable cutters or saws.

Risk: 63.0%AI: 75EstimatedTime: 2%

Protective Factors

Total protective discount: 28.5%

Essential Soft Skills

Traits that are hard for AI to replicate

Attention to DetailIntegrityDependabilityCooperationInitiativeAdaptability/FlexibilityAchievement/EffortSelf ControlIndependencePersistenceConcern for OthersStress Tolerance

Wage & Employment (2024)

Median Wage

$61,680

per year

Mean Wage

$66,510

per year

Employment

33K

workers

Wage Range

$46,040 - $94,950

10th - 90th pct

Wage Distribution

$46,040Median: $61,680$94,950
Career Planning

Explore other career paths

Compare displacement risk across occupations and find careers with stronger long-term prospects.

Alternate Career Paths

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Higher risk than 2% of other occupations

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Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons

20%
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Median salary: $58,540

Higher risk than 7% of other occupations

Molding and Casting Workers

37%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $45,690

Higher risk than 72% of other occupations

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

38%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $46,060

Higher risk than 75% of other occupations

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers

38%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $52,540

Higher risk than 76% of other occupations

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

39%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $49,500

Higher risk than 78% of other occupations

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

42%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $48,630

Higher risk than 86% of other occupations

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

43%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $45,130

Higher risk than 87% of other occupations

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

43%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $45,190

Higher risk than 88% of other occupations

Sales Managers

25%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 20% of other occupations

Chief Executives

26%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 23% of other occupations

General and Operations Managers

28%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 29% of other occupations

Marketing Managers

30%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 38% of other occupations

Advertising and Promotions Managers

31%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 43% of other occupations

Computer and Information Systems Managers

31%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 45% of other occupations

Subscribed — always updated

Recommendations

Skills to Develop

These skills are at risk from AI automation. Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers professionals should diversify beyond them.

  • Mathematics

    High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

  • Information Ordering

    High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

  • Reading Comprehension

    Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

  • Mathematics

    Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

  • Memorization

    Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Skills to Leverage

These human-centric skills remain difficult for AI to replicate. Double down here.

  • Adaptability/Flexibility

    Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

  • Manual Dexterity

    Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

  • Leadership

    Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

  • Complex Problem Solving

    Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

  • Equipment Maintenance

    Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Tools to Adopt

AI can amplify these skills. Learn the tools that augment rather than replace your work.

  • Monitoring

    Monitoring will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

  • Critical Thinking

    Critical Thinking will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

  • Judgment and Decision Making

    Judgment and Decision Making will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

  • Active Learning

    Active Learning will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

  • Systems Analysis

    Systems Analysis will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

Score History

Risk score over 3 scoring runs

-4.6

overall change

Checking for existing plan...