Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters
Perform precision assembling or adjusting, within narrow tolerances, of timing devices such as digital clocks or timing devices with electrical or electronic components.
Also called: Adjuster, Assembler, Balance and Hairspring Assembler, Banking Pin Adjuster, Barrel Assembler, Barrel Bridge Assembler
Median pay
$62,620
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$27,880 – $78,270
People employed
250
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 2.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 4.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 5.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 6.Do you prefer working indoors?
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (1 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters salary in every state →
What timing device assemblers and adjusters do
- 01Change timing weights on balance wheels to correct deficient timing.
- 02Assemble and install components of timepieces to complete mechanisms, using watchmakers' tools and loupes.
- 03Adjust sizes or positioning of timepiece parts to achieve specified fit or function, using calipers, fixtures, and loupes.
- 04Observe operation of timepiece parts and subassemblies to determine accuracy of movement, and to diagnose causes of defects.
- 05Test operation and fit of timepiece parts and subassemblies, using electronic testing equipment, tweezers, watchmakers' tools, and loupes.
- 06Mount hairsprings and balance wheel assemblies between jaws of truing calipers.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from timing device assemblers and adjusters
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers82% · −10%
- Watch and Clock Repairers80% · +7%
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics80% · +3%
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door78% · +19%
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers77% · −12%
Change into timing device assemblers and adjusters
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians82% · $39,460
- Watch and Clock Repairers82% · $67,230
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers79% · $54,890
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic78% · $49,080
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers78% · $56,210
Majors that lead here
- Watchmaking and Jewelrymaking
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.