Career comparison
Electronics Assembler 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. $45,850), while electronics assemblers usually get to work faster (A few months on the job of training). Electronics assemblers assemble circuit boards, wire harnesses and electronic devices. 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
| Electronics Assembler | Timing Device Assembler | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $45,850 ($22.04/hr) | $62,620 ($30.11/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,350 – $62,950 | $27,880 – $78,270 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.0% (faster than average) | -6.1% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 25,900 | 0 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | A few months on the job | A few months on the job |
| Key credential | IPC J-STD-001 | Watchmaking course |
| Work setting | Assemblers work in electronics factories and clean benches.. | Assemblers work at clean benches in small manufacturing shops.. |
What each job does
Electronics Assembler
- Solder components
- Build wire harnesses
- Assemble products
- Read drawings
- Test assemblies
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, 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 electronics assembler if…
- I like electronics
- I have steady hands
- I’m detail-oriented
Choose timing device assembler if…
- I have steady hands
- I love tiny details
- I’m patient
Still torn? Take the Electronics Assembler fit quiz and the Timing Device Assembler fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, electronics assembler or timing device assembler?
Timing Device Assemblers earn more at the median: $62,620 versus $45,850 for electronics assemblers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Electronics Assemblers typically train faster (A few months on the job) than timing device assemblers (A few months on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects electronics assemblers to grow +5.0% from 2025–35, compared with -6.1% for timing device assemblers.