Career comparison
Camera Repairer vs. Timing Device Assembler
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Timing device assemblers earn more at the median ($62,620 vs. $52,720), while timing device assemblers usually get to work faster (A few months on the job of training). Camera repairers repair cameras, lenses and photographic equipment. Timing device assemblers assemble and adjust precision timing devices and instruments.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Camera Repairer | Timing Device Assembler | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $52,720 ($25.35/hr) | $62,620 ($30.11/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $34,320 – $83,940 | $27,880 – $78,270 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -15.5% (a projected decline) | -6.1% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 100 | 0 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | A year or more on the job | A few months on the job |
| Key credential | Manufacturer service training | Watchmaking course |
| Work setting | Repairers work at clean benches in repair shops and service centers.. | Assemblers work at clean benches in small manufacturing shops.. |
What each job does
Camera Repairer
- Diagnose camera faults
- Repair lenses
- Clean sensors
- Replace shutters
- Calibrate autofocus
Timing Device Assembler
- Assemble precision parts
- Adjust mechanisms
- Calibrate timing
- Inspect under magnification
- Test devices
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, working independently, indoor work, and steady routines. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose camera repairer if…
- I love cameras
- I have steady hands
- I’m very patient
Choose timing device assembler if…
- I have steady hands
- I love tiny details
- I’m patient
Still torn? Take the Camera Repairer fit quiz and the Timing Device Assembler fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, camera repairer or timing device assembler?
Timing Device Assemblers earn more at the median: $62,620 versus $52,720 for camera repairers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Timing Device Assemblers typically train faster (A few months on the job) than camera repairers (A year or more on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects timing device assemblers to grow -6.1% from 2025–35, compared with -15.5% for camera repairers.