Dismantling worker
Also known as: disassembly worker
About this occupation
Dismantling workers perform the dismantling of industrial equipment, machinery and buildings as instructed by the team leader. They use heavy machinery and different power tools depending on the task. At all times safety regulations are taken into account.
Essential skills and knowledge
- use power tools
- drive mobile heavy construction equipment
- operate heavy construction machinery without supervision
- secure heavy construction equipment
- prepare ground for construction
- apply health and safety standards
- work safely with machines
- dispose of non-hazardous waste
- work in a construction team
- operate jackhammer
- protect surfaces during construction work
- prevent damage to utility infrastructure
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers (O*NET 49-9098.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Install or replace machinery, equipment, and new or replacement parts and instruments, using hand or power tools.
- Examine and test machinery, equipment, components, and parts for defects to ensure proper functioning.
- Tend and observe equipment and machinery to verify efficient and safe operation.
- Adjust, connect, or disconnect wiring, piping, tubing, and other parts, using hand or power tools.
- Clean or lubricate vehicles, machinery, equipment, instruments, tools, work areas, and other objects, using hand tools, power tools, and cleaning equipment.
- Hold or supply tools, parts, equipment, and supplies for other workers.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Equipment Maintenance
US median pay: US$39,630 a year (2025), 95,580 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.1)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionVery important (3.8)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.5)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.3)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.3)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.3)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Helpers--Production Workers
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
- Helpers--Electricians
- Helpers--Extraction Workers
- Helpers--Carpenters
- Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters
- Millwrights
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.