The median pay for Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters is $62,620 a year ($30.11/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to fall 6.1% through 2035 (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 51-2061
- Production
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Timing Device Assembler and Adjuster in four numbers
- Median pay
- $62,620a year, or $30.11/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $28KTop 10% $78K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -6.1%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−6.1%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −6.1% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 0200 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025200
- Projected 2035200
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 200 Projected 2035 200 - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school2.3%
- High school91.4%
- Certificate1.2%
- Some college1%
- Professional degree4.2%
Highest education held by timing device assemblers and adjusters Segment Value Less than high school 2.3% High school 91.4% Certificate 1.2% Some college 1% Professional degree 4.2%
Also advertised as: Calibration Specialist, Calibrator, Clockmaker, Horologist, Time Stamp Assembler, Watch Technician.
Pay
How much do Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters make?
Every timing device assembler and adjuster in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$62,620
Middle half earn $29,040 to $72,740
- 10th
- $27,880
- 25th
- $29,040
- 75th
- $72,740
- 90th
- $78,270
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $27,880 |
| 25th | $29,040 |
| Median | $62,620 |
| 75th | $72,740 |
| 90th | $78,270 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $62,620
- Median hourly wage
- $30.11/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $56,720
- People employed
- 250
Versus all US occupations
At $62,620, Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters earn 23% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $11,640 a year.
Versus production occupations
Inside the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030, this is 30% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $78,270 or more while the bottom 10% earn $27,880, a gap of 2.8×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 36% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Pennsylvania pays the most at $71,770, and still leads at $73,556 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Pennsylvania | $71,770 | $73,556 | N/A |
Job outlook
Is Timing Device Assembler and Adjuster a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -6.1% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters | −6.1% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters to change -6.1% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 0 more jobs.
Overall employment of assemblers and fabricators is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 177,500 openings for assemblers and fabricators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of assemblers and fabricators varies by occupation (see table).
Getting in
How to become a Timing Device Assembler and Adjuster
The education and qualifications typically needed to enter these occupations vary by industry and employer. Although a high school diploma is enough for most jobs, experience and training are needed for advanced assembly work.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as timing device assemblers and adjusters.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)91.4%
- First Professional Degree4.2%
- Less than a High School Diploma2.3%
- Post-Secondary Certificate1.2%
- Some College Courses1%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 91.4% |
| First Professional Degree | 4.2% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 2.3% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 1.2% |
| Some College Courses | 1% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Timing Device Assembler and Adjuster do?
Perform precision assembling or adjusting, within narrow tolerances, of timing devices such as digital clocks or timing devices with electrical or electronic components.
Assemblers and fabricators build finished products and the parts that go into them. They use handtools and machines to make vehicles, toys, electronic devices, and more.
Day-to-day tasks
- Observe operation of timepiece parts and subassemblies to determine accuracy of movement, and to diagnose causes of defects.
- Examine components of timepieces such as watches, clocks, or chronometers for defects, using loupes or microscopes.
- Replace specified parts to repair malfunctioning timepieces, using watchmakers' tools, loupes, and holding fixtures.
- Disassemble timepieces such as watches, clocks, and chronometers so that repairs can be made.
- Test operation and fit of timepiece parts and subassemblies, using electronic testing equipment, tweezers, watchmakers' tools, and loupes.
- Clean and lubricate timepiece parts and assemblies, using solvents, buff sticks, and oil.
- Bend parts, such as hairsprings, pallets, barrel covers, and bridges, to correct deficiencies in truing or endshake, using tweezers.
- Assemble and install components of timepieces to complete mechanisms, using watchmakers' tools and loupes.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most assemblers and fabricators work full time. Some assemblers and fabricators work in shifts, which may require evening, weekend, and night work.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantLittle or no dealing with customers or the public.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayConflict situations are rare.
Cost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely seriousMistakes are not usually serious.
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Active Listening2.9
- Critical Thinking2.9
- Monitoring2.9
- Reading Comprehension2.8
- Speaking2.8
- Writing2.5
- Active Learning2.1
- Learning Strategies2.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | 2.9 |
| Critical Thinking | 2.9 |
| Monitoring | 2.9 |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.8 |
| Speaking | 2.8 |
| Writing | 2.5 |
| Active Learning | 2.1 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Repairing3.4
- Troubleshooting3.3
- Quality Control Analysis3.3
- Operations Monitoring3.0
- Social Perceptiveness2.8
- Complex Problem Solving2.8
- Operation and Control2.8
- Equipment Maintenance2.8
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Repairing | 3.4 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.3 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.3 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.0 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.8 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.8 |
| Operation and Control | 2.8 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 2.8 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Office suite software · in demand
- Analytical or scientific software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Internet browser software
- Inventory management software
- Point of sale POS software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Timing Device Assembler and Adjuster?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Timing Device Assembler and Adjuster |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic6.7
- Conventional4.6
- Investigative2.1
- Artistic1.2
- Enterprising1.1
- Social1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Timing Device Assembler and Adjuster
O*NET related occupations
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
- Production
Electromechanical Equipment Assembler
$45,930median a year
Most earn $35K to $63K
+4.6%Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed - Production
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairer
$56,210median a year
Most earn $37K to $85K
+4.4%High school - Production
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assembler
$45,930median a year
Most earn $35K to $63K
+4.6%Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed - Production
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$50,620median a year
Most earn $37K to $70K
−11.3%High school
More production careers
Median annual pay, with timing device assemblers and adjusters highlighted
- Power Plant Operator$102,040
- Tool and Die Maker$64,050
- Timing Device Assembler and Adjuster$62,620
- Machinist$58,750
- Welder$53,750
- Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter$51,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$50,690
- Butcher and Meat Cutter$40,140
- Baker$37,160
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 |
| Timing Device Assembler and Adjuster | $62,620 |
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Welder | $53,750 |
| Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter | $51,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $50,690 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Timing Device Assembler and Adjuster appears on
Questions
Timing Device Assembler and Adjuster: frequently asked questions
How much do Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters make?
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters earn a median of $62,620 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 23% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $30.11/hr. The middle half earn between $29,040 and $72,740. The top 10% earn $78,270 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Timing Device Assembler and Adjuster?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 91.4% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Timing Device Assembler and Adjuster a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 6.1% over 2025–2035, a loss of 0 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035).
What does a Timing Device Assembler and Adjuster do?
Assemblers and fabricators build finished products and the parts that go into them. A core O*NET task: observe operation of timepiece parts and subassemblies to determine accuracy of movement, and to diagnose causes of defects. Employers most often ask for Office suite software.
Which states pay Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters the most?
The highest state medians for Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters are Pennsylvania ($71,770) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Timing Device Assembler and Adjuster?
O*NET scores Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.