How much does a watch repairer make?

In the United States, repairers with more experience or valued watchmaking certificates may earn more. Pay can also vary by employer and location, and complex or specialized repairs may call for higher-level skills.

Repair, clean, and adjust mechanisms of timing instruments, such as watches and clocks. Includes watchmakers, watch technicians, and mechanical timepiece repairers. Excludes "Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters” (51-2061).

What's a typical day like?

At a bench, a watch repairer takes a watch apart, cleans tiny parts, fixes or replaces worn pieces, then rebuilds it and checks that it keeps time. They may estimate repairs, talk with customers, and record the work.

In the U.S., finish high school, then train at a watchmaking school or in an apprenticeship; expect long on-the-job training. Some WOSTEP programs require age 18 and a diploma or GED; AWCI offers written and hands-on certification tests.

Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

If a watch company will not sell a needed spare part, a repairer may make the tiny part himself.