Riveter

About this occupation

Riveters assemble several metal parts together by riveting guns, rivet set and hammers, or by operating a riveting machine that all perform the purpose of drilling holes on the rivet shank of the metal part and of inserting rivets, bolts, into these holes in order to fasten them together.

A specialisation of structural ironworker.

• Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.
• Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment.
• Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps.
• Mark identifying information on tubing or cable assemblies, using etching devices, labels, rubber stamps, or other methods.
• Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation.
• Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.

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: Quality Control Analysis, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Speaking

US median pay: US$65,380 a year (2025), 34,020 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).

• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.5)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.4)
• MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.4)
• Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.4)
• Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.2)
• 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.