by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 5 U.S. colleges awarded 78 degrees and certificates in Watchmaking & Jewelrymaking. Certificates are the most popular award, at 50% of graduates. Graduates earn a median $47,220 one year after completing, rising to $58,456 after four years.
A major in Watchmaking & Jewelrymaking covers Watchmaking And Jewelrymaking. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Technical Knowledge And Skills To Make Repairs, And Maintain Timepieces, Time-Measuring Devices, And Jewelry Items. Includes Instruction In Mechanical Timekeeping Systems, Digital Timekeeping Systems, Timesetting, Casting, Engraving, Polishing, Stonesetting, Soldering, Fine Microscopic Work, Equipment And Tool Maintenance, Redesign And Restyling Techniques, And Customer Relations.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, watchmaking & jewelrymaking draws strong interest, with 78 degrees awarded annually. 5 colleges award watchmaking & jewelrymaking degrees, an average of 16 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 39.
By level, the 78 awards include 39 certificates, 10 associate degrees and 29 master’s degrees.
Women earned 44% of watchmaking & jewelrymaking degrees and certificates in the latest year (34 of 78). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (54) and Hispanic or Latino (12).
The most common watchmaking & jewelrymaking credential is the certificate: 39 of the 78 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to watchmaking & jewelrymaking call most for Active Listening, Quality Control Analysis and Critical Thinking, and for knowledge of Customer and Personal Service, Production and Processing and Mechanical, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Finger Dexterity and Arm-Hand Steadiness.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a watchmaking & jewelrymaking degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 39 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 10 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 29 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to watchmaking & jewelrymaking, at 52.6%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 52.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 18.5% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 8.6% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 7.5% |
| Some college courses | 6.0% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 3.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.8% |
| First professional degree | 1.0% |
Source: O*NET Online.
4 occupations are related to Watchmaking & Jewelrymaking, with an average median salary of $59,836; the strongest outlook belongs to Watch and Clock Repairers, at 13.6% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Gem Cutter, Girdler, Diamond Setter and Setter.
The occupation related to watchmaking & jewelrymaking with the most projected jobs is Gem and Diamond Workers, at 797,991.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Gem and Diamond Workers | 797,991 | 3.9% |
| Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters | 581,840 | 6.9% |
| Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers | 486,359 | -1.5% |
| Watch and Clock Repairers | 439,175 | 13.6% |
Watchmaking & Jewelrymaking graduates earn a median $47,220 one year after completing their program, $58,456 after four years and $44,868 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $47,220 |
| 4 years | $58,456 |
| 5 years | $44,868 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to watchmaking & jewelrymaking is Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers, with a median salary of $67,147.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers | $67,147 |
| Gem and Diamond Workers | $66,671 |
| Watch and Clock Repairers | $56,376 |
| Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters | $49,151 |
Watchmaking & Jewelrymaking has 5 similar majors in the Mechanic & Repair Technologies field, which together award 3,656 degrees a year; the largest are Gunsmithing/Gunsmith (3,371), Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair (201) and Locksmithing and Safe Repair (43). Browse all Mechanic & Repair Technologies majors or the full list of college majors.
More about our data sources and methodologies.