Average Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Salary in Wichita, KS
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers in Wichita, KS, earn an average annual salary of $64,760. This figure is slightly below the national average of $66,510, a common occurrence in regions with a strong industrial base that may offer other non-monetary benefits or a different cost structure. The specific demands and economic landscape of Wichita, a significant hub for aviation manufacturing, directly influence this localized compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,010.
- Outlook: Wichita, KS, boasts a robust job market for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 10,100 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 154.31 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling strong and sustained demand within the region's aviation sector.
Salary Overview
The average Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers in Wichita, KS earns-2.6%below the national average.
$31.1
$1,245
$5,397
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers in Wichita have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for aerospace products, and the need for skilled labor, mirroring national trends in specialized manufacturing roles.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
Salary progression for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers in Wichita is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in complex systems or advanced manufacturing techniques command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available to those who invest in skill development and accumulate years of experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $50,810 | $24.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $48,570 | $23.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $57,970 | $27.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $80,950 | $38.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $75,010 | $36.1 |
Detailed Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$64,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $64,760 for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers in Wichita, KS, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an assembler's salary in Wichita is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment where the take-home pay effectively matches national standards.
Job Market Context
10,100
Total Jobs
32.918
Per 1K Jobs
154.31
Location Quotient
Wichita, KS has 154.3x the national concentration of Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 154.31, Wichita, KS, presents a highly concentrated market for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers. This indicates that the demand for these specialized roles is significantly higher in Wichita than the national average, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and ample opportunities for skilled assemblers to find employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers make in Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers in Wichita, KS is $64,760. This typically ranges from $50,810 for entry-level positions to $75,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 2.6% lower than the national median of $66,510.
Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers?
Yes, with a stable cost of living.Wichita offers a strong concentration of these jobs (LQ 154.31) with an average salary matching the national cost of living. While the nominal salary is slightly below the national average, the equivalent purchasing power is maintained.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does Wichita's salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average annual salary in Wichita is $64,760, which is slightly lower than the national average of $66,510.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Wichita?
A Location Quotient of 154.31 means that Wichita has about 54% more Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers jobs per worker than the national average, indicating high local demand.
How does the cost of living in Wichita affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Wichita's cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the $64,760 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the total local workforce number imply?
A total local workforce of 10,100 for this specific role suggests a significant and established presence of these jobs within Wichita's economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,100 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 32.918 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Wichita, KS
- All Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Production Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Management Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Browse All Jobs in Wichita, KS →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wichita, KS