How much does a Watchmaker make

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Watchmaker

34 800 kr

Precision mechanics

28 300 - 40 900 kr / month

Women earn 75% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Watchmaker

Average salary 34 800 kr
Males 37 900 kr
Females 28 300 kr
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What does a watchmaker do? – Tasks and work environment

A watchmaker works with repairing, servicing, and sometimes manufacturing mechanical and electronic watches as well as other precision instruments. Tasks include troubleshooting and cleaning, adjusting watch movements, replacing worn parts, and assembling fine mechanical components. The profession requires great precision, patience, and a sense of detail, as many steps are performed under magnification or microscopes. The work environment is often calm and focused, typically in specialized workshops or stores equipped with advanced tools and measuring instruments.

Salary development over time

The salary for watchmakers has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 33 400 SEK, representing a growth of approximately 4.7%. In 2024, the average salary further rose to 34 800 SEK, an increase of an additional 4.2% compared to the previous year. This trend reflects an increased demand for skilled watchmakers, while the number of practitioners decreases due to retirements and limited new recruitment. The differences between the highest and lowest salaries are clear, with the top salary for a watchmaker at 40,900 SEK and the lowest at 28,300 SEK. Gender pay gaps persist, with men earning significantly more on average than women in the profession.

Watchmaker salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 34 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 28,300 SEK/month (female)
  • Highest salary: 40,900 SEK/month (male)
  • Hourly wage: 209 SEK/hour
  • Gender pay gap: Men 37 900 SEK, women 28,300 SEK (women earn 75% of what men do)
  • Regional differences: Limited data, but variations may occur depending on demand and proximity to larger cities

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a watchmaker typically involves high school education in craftsmanship or precision mechanics, followed by specialized post-secondary courses. Practical experience is highly important, and many combine theory with hands-on training in workshops or through apprenticeships. There are also opportunities to deepen expertise through certifications or international training for those interested in working with exclusive watch brands.

  • High school education: Vocational program in craftsmanship with specialization in precision mechanics (3 years)
  • Post-secondary courses: Watchmaking training (1–2 years)
  • Internship/apprenticeship: Strongly recommended during or after education
  • Certifications: Possibility to obtain international certificates through industry organizations
  • Prerequisites: Attention to detail, patience, and interest in technology

Working as a watchmaker requires not only technical skill but also an artistic sense of detail. Many watchmakers develop the ability to restore antique watches over time, making the profession particularly attractive for those who appreciate history and traditional craftsmanship.

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Common benefits and compensation

In addition to base salary, benefits such as wellness allowances, employee discounts on watches and accessories, and opportunities for skills development via courses or trade fairs are often offered. In some cases, bonuses or commissions may also be available for sales of exclusive watches.

Competition and challenges

The profession of watchmaking is characterized by a relatively small job market with limited competition, but also few training places and low influx of new practitioners. One of the biggest challenges is the rapid technological development within the watch industry, where electronics and smartwatches require new skills. However, demand for traditional watchmakers remains stable, especially in repair and servicing of mechanical watches. The shortage of younger watchmakers and retirements can create good opportunities for those wishing to establish themselves. It is also important to stay updated on new techniques and materials to remain competitive.

Tips for those who want to become a watchmaker

To succeed as a watchmaker, it helps to have a strong interest in technology and small details, as well as the ability to work methodically. A good tip is to choose a relevant focus during high school and seek internships to gain practical experience. Precision and patience are crucial, as many tasks require high accuracy over long periods. Being curious and continuously learning about new techniques and materials increases development opportunities. It is also advantageous to be service-minded and able to meet customer needs professionally. For those interested in working internationally, language skills and industry-specific certifications can open new doors. Finally, building a network within the industry can help find further training and interesting assignments.

Key facts about Watchmakers

  • Education level: High school education with post-secondary courses
  • Work environment: Workshop or retail setting, often seated and detail-oriented
  • Gender distribution: Significant salary differences between men and women
  • Occupational group: Precision mechanic
  • Demand: Approximately 341 job openings within the precision mechanic group

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience, there are opportunities to specialize in exclusive watch servicing, work with antique watches, or move towards opening your own workshop. Some watchmakers choose to further their education to become experts on specific brands or work internationally. According to the Employment Service, no precise forecast exists for watchmakers due to limited data, but within the precision mechanic group, demand remains stable, and the number of available jobs is relatively high. The industry is affected by technological shifts, but the need for traditional skills persists, especially in repair and restoration of older mechanical watches.

Frequently asked questions about Watchmakers

  • What is the average salary of a watchmaker?
    - A watchmaker has an average monthly salary of 34 800 SEK.
  • What do gender differences look like in the profession?
    - Men earn an average of 37 900 SEK, women 28,300 SEK, which means women earn 75% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a watchmaker?
    - High school education in craftsmanship/precision mechanics plus post-secondary courses and internships are recommended.
  • Are there jobs available for watchmakers?
    - There are approximately 341 job openings within the precision mechanic group.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a watchmaker?
    - The highest salary is 40,900 SEK (male), the lowest is 28,300 SEK (female).
  • What personal qualities are important for a watchmaker?
    - Attention to detail, patience, and technical interest are essential qualities.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 14:35:08

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Watchmaker is 40900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 35800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Watchmaker is 28300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 35200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 34700 kr 37600 kr
35-44 32500 kr 33800 kr
45-54 32000 kr 32400 kr
55-64 36600 kr 37500 kr
Snitt 75% 33500 kr 34800 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Watchmaker has the SSYK code 7311, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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