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Manufacturing Assembler I Salary in the United States

How much does a Manufacturing Assembler I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Manufacturing Assembler I in the United States is $40,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.

However, a Manufacturing Assembler I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $45,368
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $36,860 to $42,810
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,001

Key Factors That Influence Manufacturing Assembler I Salaries

A Manufacturing Assembler I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Manufacturing Assembler Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Manufacturing Assembler I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Manufacturing Assembler I (0-1 years): $39,994
  • Floor Assembler II (1-3 years): $44,799
  • Manufacturing Assembler III (3-5 years): $49,848
  • Floor Assembler IV (5-7 years): $58,529
  • Assembly Line Supervisor (7+ years): $61,849
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Manufacturing Assembler I0-1 years$39,994
Floor Assembler II1-3 years$44,799
Manufacturing Assembler III3-5 years$49,848
Floor Assembler IV5-7 years$58,529
Assembly Line Supervisor7+ years$61,849

Top Paying Cities for Manufacturing Assembler Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $50,450
  • San Francisco: $49,900
  • Oakland: $48,850

What Skills Can Increase a Manufacturing Assembler I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 3.25% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Pneumatics (Mentioned in 2.92% Job Postings): Pneumatics (pronounced new-MATT-ix) is an aspect of physics and engineering that is concerned with using the energy in compressed gas to make something move or work.
  • Housekeeping (Mentioned in 1.82% Job Postings): Housekeeping department is keeping the venue clean and sanitary as part of customer service. Cleaners vacuum rugs and furniture in hallways, rooms and public areas. They collect trash and empty wastebaskets, change the sheets and make the beds.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 3.25%
Pneumatics 2.92%
Housekeeping 1.82%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Manufacturing Assembler I's salary.

  • Alignment: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Interviewing: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Alignment $42,400
6%
Commitment $42,400
6%
Interviewing $42,400
6%

Manufacturing Assembler I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Manufacturing Assembler I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $44,712. While startup companies pay approximate $37,843.

Manufacturing Assembler I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $37,843
Growth Stage 51~500 $40,016
Established 501~5000 $43,180
Enterprise 5000+ $44,712

Manufacturing Assembler I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Manufacturing Assembler I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Manufacturing Assembler positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Manufacturing Assembler I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Manufacturing Assembler I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$52,000$25.030%
Pharmaceuticals$52,000$25.030%
Software & Networking$50,000$24.025%
Financial Services$48,000$23.020%
Aerospace & Defense$46,000$22.015%

How Education impacts a Manufacturing Assembler I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Manufacturing Assembler Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Manufacturing Assembler I with a Associate's Degree is between $34,478 and $36,725).

Manufacturing Assembler I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Manufacturing Assembler I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 7.3%
High School 64.6%
Associates 14.6%
Bachelors 13.4%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%

Manufacturing Assembler I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Manufacturing Assembler I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$36,860
Average $40,000/year
$42,810
$3,072
Average $3,333/month
$3,568
$709
Average $769/week
$823
$18
Average $19/hour
$21
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $42,810 $3,568 $823 $21
Average $40,000 $3,333 $769 $19
25th Percentile $36,860 $3,072 $709 $18

Most common benefits for Manufacturing Assembler I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Manufacturing Assembler I

Here are companies hiring for Manufacturing Assembler I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Manufacturing Assembler I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Manufacturing Assembler I?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Manufacturing Assembler I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. How much do assemblers make in the US?

Assemblers in the US earn between $34,440 and $43,120 annually, with a median salary of $38,210. This translates to an average hourly rate of approximately $17.50 to $20.74, depending on experience and location.

3. Does an assembler need a degree?

Assemblers and fabricators typically require a high school diploma, though training in a specialty area is common. While a degree is not necessary for most positions, experience and training can lead to advanced roles. Salaries for manufacturing assemblers range from $34,440 to $43,120, with a median salary of $38,210.

4. What is an example of assembly in manufacturing?

An example of assembly in manufacturing is a bicycle, which includes components like tires, frame, spokes, chain, seat, and handlebars. Manufacturing Assemblers, who work on such products, typically earn between $34,440 and $43,120 annually, with a median salary of $38,210. This role is crucial in ensuring all parts come together to create the final product for consumers.

5. Is an assembler a job title?

Assemblers are an indispensable part of the manufacturing industry and a component of almost any field. Job titles may vary slightly depending on the organization and industry, leading to variations like mechanical assemblers, production assemblers, industrial assemblers, and electronics assemblers. Salaries for this role typically range from $34,440 to $43,120, with a median of $38,210.

6. How much do USA pay per hour?

As of January 28, 2025, the hourly pay for a Manufacturing Assembler in the United States ranges from approximately $16.54 (MinSalary: $34,440 annually) to $20.63 (MidSalary: $38,210 annually), with a maximum of about $20.77 (MaxSalary: $43,120 annually). This reflects a typical range for this occupation across the country.

7. What is the highest paying labor job in the US?

The highest paying labor jobs in the U.S. include roles like air traffic controller and construction manager. For example, a manufacturing assembler can expect a salary ranging from $34,440 to $43,120, with a mid-salary of $38,210. Other high-paying positions include elevator installers, power plant operators, and police officers.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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