by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, watchmaking and jewelrymaking was the 1,300 most popular major nationwide with 100 degrees awarded. This represents a 8.0% increase in watchmaking and jewelrymaking degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 92.
Our 2023 Best Watchmaking & Jewelrymaking Schools ranking analyzes 1 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for watchmaking and jewelrymaking students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of watchmaking and jewelrymaking programs later in this article.
Watchmaking & Jewelrymaking majors are found most commonly in careers in which conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance is important. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems and giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times are all required skills for careers related to this major.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most watchmaking and jewelrymaking degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. In addition to these basic watchmaking and jewelrymaking program qualifications, to serve in some watchmaking and jewelrymaking careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are many different watchmaking and jewelrymaking degree levels. Watchmaking & Jewelrymaking programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest watchmaking and jewelrymaking degree you can get. Depending on the watchmaking and jewelrymaking degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
An associate degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to watchmaking and jewelrymaking, with approximately 5.3% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for watchmaking and jewelrymaking workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | 45.7% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 25.6% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 10.2% |
| Some College Courses | 8.9% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 4.5% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in watchmaking and jewelrymaking careers have.
This of course varies depending on which watchmaking and jewelrymaking career you choose.
Want a job when you graduate with your watchmaking and jewelrymaking degree?
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to watchmaking and jewelrymaking.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Jewelers, Precious Stone and Metal Workers | 35,200 | -6.6% |
| Watch Repairers | 1,200 | -33.3% |
| Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters | 600 | -25.0% |
As you might expect, salaries for watchmaking and jewelrymaking graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for watchmaking and jewelrymaking graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers watchmaking and jewelrymaking grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Watch Repairers | $44,830 |
| Jewelers, Precious Stone and Metal Workers | $43,570 |
| Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters | $37,460 |
With over 12 different watchmaking and jewelrymaking degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased watchmaking and jewelrymaking school rankings to help you with this.
Watchmaking & Jewelrymaking is one of 4 different types of Precision Systems Maintenance programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Gunsmithing/Gunsmith | 1,552 |
| Musical Instrument Fabrication & Repair | 200 |
| Locksmithing & Safe Repair | 48 |
| Precision Systems Maintenance & Repair Technologies, Other | 32 |
Image Credit: By Phasmatisnox under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
