Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters fall under the Production category in the U.S. occupational classification. Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters earn a median salary of $40,790 per year, ranking in the top 83% of all U.S. occupations. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do timing device assemblers and adjusters earn?

The median annual wage for timing device assemblers and adjusters is $40,790. That puts timing device assemblers and adjusters at #675 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is timing device assemblers and adjusters a growing career?

BLS does not publish a 2024–2034 projection for timing device assemblers and adjusters. Cross-check the broader production category for directional guidance.

What do timing device assemblers and adjusters do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working timing device assemblers and adjusters, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Observe operation of timepiece parts and subassemblies to determine accuracy of movement, and to diagnose causes of defects.
2. 2.Replace specified parts to repair malfunctioning timepieces, using watchmakers' tools, loupes, and holding fixtures.
3. 3.Clean and lubricate timepiece parts and assemblies, using solvents, buff sticks, and oil.
4. 4.Examine components of timepieces such as watches, clocks, or chronometers for defects, using loupes or microscopes.
5. 5.Assemble and install components of timepieces to complete mechanisms, using watchmakers' tools and loupes.
6. 6.Test operation and fit of timepiece parts and subassemblies, using electronic testing equipment, tweezers, watchmakers' tools, and loupes.
7. 7.Disassemble timepieces such as watches, clocks, and chronometers so that repairs can be made.
8. 8.Bend parts, such as hairsprings, pallets, barrel covers, and bridges, to correct deficiencies in truing or endshake, using tweezers.

Top skills for timing device assemblers and adjusters

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become timing device assemblers and adjuster?

Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

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Common questions parents ask about timing device assemblers and adjusters