Timing device assemblers and adjusters
SOC Code: 51-2061
Timing device assemblers and adjusters carries a 28% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $40,790 and -17.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Timing device assemblers and adjusters (SOC 51-2061) carries an AI exposure score of 28%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -17.5% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $40,790, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Timing device assemblers and adjusters. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Change timing weights on balance wheels to correct deficient timing.
- 2. Assemble and install components of timepieces to complete mechanisms, using watchmakers' tools and loupes.
- 3. Adjust sizes or positioning of timepiece parts to achieve specified fit or function, using calipers, fixtures, and loupes.
- 4. Observe operation of timepiece parts and subassemblies to determine accuracy of movement, and to diagnose causes of defects.
- 5. Test operation and fit of timepiece parts and subassemblies, using electronic testing equipment, tweezers, watchmakers' tools, and loupes.
- 6. Mount hairsprings and balance wheel assemblies between jaws of truing calipers.
- 7. Replace specified parts to repair malfunctioning timepieces, using watchmakers' tools, loupes, and holding fixtures.
- 8. Disassemble timepieces such as watches, clocks, and chronometers so that repairs can be made.
- 9. Clean and lubricate timepiece parts and assemblies, using solvents, buff sticks, and oil.
- 10. Estimate spaces between collets and first inner coils to determine if spaces are within acceptable limits.
Key Skills Required
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Quality Control Analysis
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- Physics
- English Language
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Timing device assemblers and adjusters?
Timing device assemblers and adjusters has an AI exposure score of 28%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Timing device assemblers and adjusters?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Timing device assemblers and adjusters is projected to decline by 17.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 200 workers.
What skills are needed for Timing device assemblers and adjusters?
Key skills for Timing device assemblers and adjusters include Repairing, Troubleshooting, Quality Control Analysis, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Timing device assemblers and adjusters earn?
The median annual wage for Timing device assemblers and adjusters is $40,790, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Timing device assemblers and adjusters?
The typical entry-level education for Timing device assemblers and adjusters is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Timing device assemblers and adjusters?
Timing device assemblers and adjusters roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).