When people ask, “How much do cable assemblers make?” they’re usually just looking for a number. But the real answer is more layered.
Wages aren’t fixed. Two cable assemblers doing similar tasks in different states—or even different shifts—can earn very different pay.
And that’s not just about location. It comes down to experience, industry, certifications, and even the company culture.
If you’re thinking about stepping into the field or wondering why someone else is earning more than you in the same job title, understanding the factors that affect cable assembler pay is the first step.
Here’s a breakdown of what truly impacts the numbers on that paycheck.
What Do Cable Assemblers Typically Earn When Starting Out?
If you’re entering the field for the first time, you’re probably most concerned with starting pay. So, how much do cable assemblers make at the entry level?
Based on current data reports as of early 2025, most cable assemblers starting out make between $16 and $18 per hour. That translates to approximately $33,000 to $37,000 annually for a full-time schedule.
At this stage, employers rarely expect prior experience. Most provide on-the-job training, especially if they’re facing production demands and labor shortages.
Manufacturing hubs across states like New York and Nevada are actively hiring entry-level assemblers, sometimes through staffing partners which specialize in matching new workers with growing companies.
Entry-level pay can still be fair, but it’s just the starting point. Where you go from there depends on what you bring to the table over time.
Why Some Assemblers Earn More Than Others
Gaining Experience, Not Just Time
More time in the role doesn’t automatically mean higher pay. It’s what you learn and how consistently you perform that adds value. Assemblers who can work faster without mistakes, read technical diagrams, identify issues early, and assist with training others are often the ones who earn raises or move into more senior roles.
Typically, after two to three years of steady work, cable assemblers can increase their pay to around $20 to $24 per hour. Some senior-level assemblers or team leads in high-demand industries make as much as $26 to $30 per hour.
Employers understand that experience cuts down on costly mistakes and production slowdowns. That’s why speed, accuracy, and independence are all tied to better pay.
Certification That Gets You Noticed
If you’re serious about growing in this career, getting certified makes a big difference. The IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification is considered the industry standard for wire harness and cable assembly work.
It proves that you understand industry requirements for quality, reliability, and inspection of assembled cables.
Workers with this certification are often paid $2 to $5 more per hour, particularly in sectors like aerospace, medical manufacturing, and defense.
In many cases, staffing agencies or employers will even pay for you to get certified because it increases the company’s quality and compliance standing.
TBest Services regularly works with employers who prefer certified talent and are open to supporting training for promising candidates. If you’re working full-time and want to move up the ladder, certification is one of the most direct ways to do it.
Some Industries Simply Pay More
The type of product you’re working on has a big impact on how much you’re paid. That’s because not all industries have the same quality requirements, profit margins, or compliance rules.
For instance, aerospace and defense companies generally pay the most. That’s because the parts they produce have to meet strict safety standards. Cable assemblers in this industry can earn up to $30 per hour with a few years of experience and certification.
Medical device manufacturers also pay well, due to the precision needed and the regulated environment they work in.
Automotive manufacturing tends to land in the middle range. You might see hourly wages around $20 to $24, depending on location and your specific role.
On the lower end of the scale is consumer electronics, which typically pays less but may offer more entry-level positions and lower-pressure work environments.
So, when someone asks how much cable assemblers make, the better question might be, “What kind of cables are you working on, and who are you building them for?”ork in performance tuning shops tend to be at the higher end of this pay scale.
How Location Changes the Numbers
Where you work plays a major role in how much you earn, even within the same job title. In states like New York and Nevada, pay for cable assemblers reflects both the cost of living and the demand for skilled workers.
In Buffalo and Rochester, New York, for example, cable assemblers with 2 or more years of experience and the right certifications can earn between $25 and $27 per hour.
That’s largely due to the concentration of manufacturers in the state and a workforce that’s been aging out of technical roles, opening more room for trained new hires.
In Las Vegas, Nevada, the pay scale is slightly lower but still strong. Typical wages fall between $18 and $22 per hour, but take-home pay often increases with night shifts, overtime, and weekend availability.
Nevada’s manufacturing sector is expanding, especially in electronics and infrastructure-related products, so demand is expected to keep growing in 2025.
Even within the same company, wages can differ based on site location, production volume, or union presence. That’s why comparing job offers in different regions—or even different shifts—can give you a better picture of your actual earning potential.
Why Shift Choice Makes a Big Difference
The time of day you work can affect how much you make. Many facilities operate on second or third shifts, especially if they’re trying to meet high production demands. While these shifts may be less convenient, they often come with added pay incentives.
Most shift differentials range from $1 to $3 extra per hour. For someone working full-time on a second or third shift, that could mean several hundred dollars more per month without changing roles.
Weekend and holiday shifts also pay more. Some companies offer time-and-a-half rates for overtime or weekend hours, which can significantly raise your paycheck if you’re willing to work unconventional hours.
For job seekers trying to increase their pay without going back to school or changing companies, this kind of flexibility offers a quick path to higher earnings.
What You Can Do to Earn More
So what steps can you take if you’re already working in cable assembly or considering it as a new career? There are two key ways to grow your earning potential in a relatively short time:
First, consider certification. The IPC/WHMA-A-620 credential is well-respected and recognized by employers across manufacturing sectors. Most people can complete the training in a few days, and some employers will cover the cost. It’s a straightforward way to increase your qualifications and show you’re serious about your work.
Second, look for opportunities in high-growth or regulated industries. Aerospace, medical devices, and defense contractors all tend to pay more and offer long-term stability. If you can get your foot in the door at one of these companies, your growth potential is far greater, even if you start at the same base pay.
Where This Career Can Take You
Many people assume cable assembly is a job you take when you have no other options. But that’s far from the truth. It can actually be the start of a long-term career in production, quality control, or technical training.
After 3 to 5 years, many assemblers move into lead roles, where they guide teams, check finished work, and support production flow.
Others transition to inspection and quality assurance, using their hands-on knowledge to enforce standards. Some go on to become trainers or floor supervisors, especially in larger facilities.
For anyone looking to avoid college debt and still grow within a company, this field offers steady upward mobility.
Real-World Pay Is About More Than Just the Job Title
So, how much do cable assemblers make in 2025? It depends on how you approach the job. Wages are shaped by your experience, your location, your schedule, and your willingness to gain new skills.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all career, but it offers clear pathways for people willing to show up, stay focused, and keep learning.
If you’re based in Medina, NY or Las Vegas, NV, working with a staffing partner like TBest Services can help you tap into job opportunities that are flexible, well-paying, and aligned with your goals.
