A watch and clock repairer restores and maintains timepieces, from antique clocks to modern watches. It is precise, hands-on work that you can enter with a certificate. Here is what the job involves, what skills matter most, and how to get started.
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Watch and clock repairers diagnose problems in mechanical timepieces and restore them to working order. You will disassemble delicate mechanisms, identify worn or damaged parts, and make repairs or replacements. The work requires you to monitor the performance of each piece as you reassemble it, judge the quality of your work, and estimate how long repairs will take. You will also interact with customers to understand their needs and explain what you have found. Attention to detail and problem-solving are central to the job.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Watch and Clock Repairers earn a median of $67,230 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 1 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 100 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most watch and clock repairers complete a certificate program in horology or a related field. These programs teach you the mechanical principles behind timepieces, hands-on repair techniques, and how to use specialized tools. You will learn through classroom instruction and practical work on real clocks and watches. Some repairers start as apprentices or assistants and learn on the job while earning a wage. Either path takes time and practice to build the precision and judgment the work demands.
Certificate programs and apprenticeships are the main routes into this field. Both have real trade-offs in cost and timeline, so if you are comparing them, Pathly can map the watch and clock repairer path that fits you and work through the details with your counselor to find the path that fits your situation.
You do not need a license to work as a watch and clock repairer, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to hands-on, mechanical work and enjoy solving problems with tools and precision. You like working with your hands and thinking through how things function.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).