Career comparison
Quality Control Inspector 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. $48,570), while timing device assemblers usually get to work faster (A few months on the job of training). Quality control inspectors measure, test and inspect products to make sure they meet specifications. 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
| Quality Control Inspector | Timing Device Assembler | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $48,570 ($23.35/hr) | $62,620 ($30.11/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,510 – $77,860 | $27,880 – $78,270 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.5% (about as fast as average) | -6.1% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 66,700 | 0 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 3–12 months on the job | A few months on the job |
| Key credential | ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) | Watchmaking course |
| Work setting | Inspectors work on production floors, in quality labs and at receiving docks in factories. | Assemblers work at clean benches in small manufacturing shops.. |
What each job does
Quality Control Inspector
- Read drawings, specifications and inspection plans
- Measure parts with precision instruments
- Perform first-article and in-process inspections
- Sample and test products according to plans
- Record data and complete inspection reports
Timing Device Assembler
- Assemble precision parts
- Adjust mechanisms
- Calibrate timing
- Inspect under magnification
- Test devices
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working with information, hands-on work, indoor work, and working independently. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose quality control inspector if…
- I notice small details others miss
- I like measuring and checking things
- I can stand by my decisions
Choose timing device assembler if…
- I have steady hands
- I love tiny details
- I’m patient
Still torn? Take the Quality Control Inspector fit quiz and the Timing Device Assembler fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, quality control inspector or timing device assembler?
Timing Device Assemblers earn more at the median: $62,620 versus $48,570 for quality control inspectors, 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 quality control inspectors (3–12 months on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects quality control inspectors to grow +2.5% from 2025–35, compared with -6.1% for timing device assemblers.