How to become a Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer
Assembles, calibrates, installs and overhauls mechanical precision instruments and equipment.
Main tasks
- Assembles mechanical precision instruments and equipment according to specifications
- Installs precision instruments and equipment in designated locations
- Tests, calibrates and adjusts the performance of precision instruments for accuracy
- Diagnoses and repairs faults in precision instruments
- Cleans and maintains precision instruments and equipment
- Interprets technical drawings, diagrams and manuals for precision instruments and equipment
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Watch and Clock Service and Repair. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Watch and Clock Service and Repair (MEM31019); Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119); Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (MEM30219); Certificate IV in Instrumentation and Control (UEE42220); Certificate IV in Piano Technology (MSF40522)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $79,924 a year
- About 8,300 people work in this job group now, and about 8,900 are projected by 2035. (+8%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Watch and Clock Service and Repair; Certificate IV in Engineering; Certificate III in Watch and Clock Service and Repair.
How much does a Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $79,924 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 8,300 to about 8,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer?
Usually not. Only 23% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Watch and Clock Service and Repair; Certificate IV in Engineering; Certificate III in Watch and Clock Service and Repair.
Will AI change the work of a Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04