Watch and Clock Repairers vs. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: Who Earns More?
Watch and Clock Repairers out-earn Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics by $17K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Watch and Clock Repairers land at $67,230 and Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics at $50,620. The education gap is real: watch and clock repairer programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while automotive service technicians and mechanic programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Watch and Clock Repairers is California ($110,050); for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics it's District of Columbia ($68,660).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Watch and Clock Repairers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Watch and Clock Repairers or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Watch and Clock Repairers earn more nationally. The median is $67,230 for Watch and Clock Repairers versus $50,620 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, a difference of $17K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Watch and Clock Repairers or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics has the better 10-year outlook at 4.2% projected growth, compared to -1.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Watch and Clock Repairers or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Watch and Clock Repairers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Watch and Clock Repairers get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Watch and Clock Repairers at $110,050/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Watch and Clock Repairers vs. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Watch and Clock Repairers earn $110,050 vs. $64,980 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.