Analysis
NAICS 33641 is the 2022 NAICS industry for aerospace product and parts manufacturing, part of 3364 (Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing). Census lists 51 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 1,907 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 428,728 people at an average annual payroll of $108,008 per employee (88th percentile of national industries). 24% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which points to larger operations.
Census lists 9 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 33422, 33331, 48819 and 54171. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
Across its national industries Census lists 51 index entries; typical ones are aircraft conversions (i.e., major modifications to system), aircraft engine and engine parts (except carburetors…, aircraft assemblies, subassemblies, and parts (except… and developing and producing prototypes for complete guided….
Its goods appear in 90 statistical lines of the US tariff schedule, mostly under headings 8802 (other aircraft (for example, helicopters, airplanes, except…), 8411 (turbojets, turbopropellers and other gas turbines, and…) and 8807 (parts of goods of heading 8801, 8802 or 8806). That link is how import data is matched to domestic producers, for example in trade-remedy cases.
It splits into 6 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing) with 966.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in one or more of the following: (1) manufacturing complete aircraft, missiles, or space vehicles; (2) manufacturing aerospace engines, propulsion units, auxiliary equipment, or parts; (3) developing and making prototypes of aerospace products; (4) aircraft conversion (i.e., major modifications to systems); and (5) complete aircraft or propulsion systems overhaul and rebuilding (i.e., periodic restoration of aircraft to original design specifications).
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing space satellites | 33422 Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing |
| Manufacturing flight simulators | 33331 Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing |
| The repair of aircraft or aircraft engines (except overhauling, conversion, and rebuilding) | 48819 Other Support Activities for Air Transportation |
| Research and development establishments primarily engaged in aerospace R&D (except prototype production) | 54171 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences |
| Manufacturing aircraft engine intake and exhaust valves, pistons, or engine filters | 33631 Motor Vehicle Gasoline Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing |
| Manufacturing aircraft seating | 33636 Motor Vehicle Seating and Interior Trim Manufacturing |
| Manufacturing aeronautical, navigational, and guidance systems and instruments | 33451 Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing |
| Establishment primarily engaged in manufacturing aircraft engine electrical (aeronautical electrical) equipment or aircraft lighting fixtures | 33632 Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing |
| Manufacturing aircraft fluid power subassemblies | 33291 Metal Valve Manufacturing |
Index entries (51)
- Aircraft conversions (i.e., major modifications to system)
- Aircraft engine and engine parts (except carburetors, pistons, piston rings, valves) manufacturing
- Aircraft assemblies, subassemblies, and parts (except engines) manufacturing
- Developing and producing prototypes for complete guided missiles and space vehicles
- Developing and producing prototypes for guided missile and space vehicle engines
- Airframe assemblies for guided missiles manufacturing