Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters
Machines can already do 20% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 56%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 20% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 4% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2034, and 56% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 250 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $62,620 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 57% for contact with people.
- Also called: Calibration Specialist, Calibrator, Clockmaker, Horologist.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assemble and install components of timepieces to complete mechanisms, using watchmakers' tools and loupes | 27% | 20% to 60% | |
| Test operation and fit of timepiece parts and subassemblies, using electronic testing equipment, tweezers, watchmakers' tools, and loupes | 12% | 20% to 60% | |
| Observe operation of timepiece parts and subassemblies to determine accuracy of movement, and to diagnose causes of defects | 8% | 20% to 60% | |
| Replace specified parts to repair malfunctioning timepieces, using watchmakers' tools, loupes, and holding fixtures | 8% | 3% to 30% | |
| Examine components of timepieces such as watches, clocks, or chronometers for defects, using loupes or microscopes | 8% | 20% to 60% | |
| Clean and lubricate timepiece parts and assemblies, using solvents, buff sticks, and oil | 7% | 20% to 60% | |
| Adjust sizes or positioning of timepiece parts to achieve specified fit or function, using calipers, fixtures, and loupes | 7% | 20% to 60% | |
| Disassemble timepieces such as watches, clocks, and chronometers so that repairs can be made | 4% | 3% to 30% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills timing device assemblers and adjusters use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers49% of tasks by 2035 · US median $54,890
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics47% of tasks by 2035 · US median $47,880
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas51% of tasks by 2035 · US median $46,960
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers52% of tasks by 2035 · US median $92,460
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2034. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of timing device assemblers and adjusters?
Machines can do 20% of the tasks of timing device assemblers and adjusters today and 56% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 51-2061.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/timing-device-assemblers-and-adjusters/