Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters
SOC code 51-2061 · O*NET-SOC 51-2061.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$62,620
a year
Hourly
$30.11
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$56,720
$27.27 per hour
Middle 50%
$29,040 – $72,740
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$27,880 – $78,270
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
250
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $27,880
- $13.41/hr
- 25th percentile
- $29,040
- $13.96/hr
- Median percentile
- $62,620
- $30.11/hr
- 75th percentile
- $72,740
- $34.97/hr
- 90th percentile
- $78,270
- $37.63/hr
What do timing device assemblers and adjusters do?
Perform precision assembling or adjusting, within narrow tolerances, of timing devices such as digital clocks or timing devices with electrical or electronic components.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Change timing weights on balance wheels to correct deficient timing.
- Assemble and install components of timepieces to complete mechanisms, using watchmakers' tools and loupes.
- Adjust sizes or positioning of timepiece parts to achieve specified fit or function, using calipers, fixtures, and loupes.
- Observe operation of timepiece parts and subassemblies to determine accuracy of movement, and to diagnose causes of defects.
- Test operation and fit of timepiece parts and subassemblies, using electronic testing equipment, tweezers, watchmakers' tools, and loupes.
- Mount hairsprings and balance wheel assemblies between jaws of truing calipers.
- 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.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 91% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- 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.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)91%
- First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.4%
- Less than a High School Diploma2%
- Post-Secondary Certificate1%
Common questions
How much does a timing device assemblers and adjusters earn?
The national median is $62,620 a year. The full range runs from $27,880 at the 10th percentile to $78,270 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a timing device assemblers and adjusters without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening2.9/5
- Critical Thinking2.9/5
- Monitoring2.9/5
- Reading Comprehension2.8/5
- Speaking2.8/5
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical3.6/5
- Mathematics3.0/5
- Production and Processing2.8/5
- Engineering and Technology2.7/5
- Education and Training2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Repairing, Troubleshooting, Quality Control Analysis, Operations Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness.