Precision instrument makers and repairers Pay Data UK — 2025

Precision instrument makers and repairers roles in the UK earn a median of £41,000 per year, equivalent to £19.56 per hour as of 2025. Pay increased 21.5% compared to the previous year. Regionally, pay ranges from £31,500 in South West to £47,000 in London. Pay has risen over the past 4 years. The ONS national median for this occupation is £40,062/yr (2% above our computed national average).

Labour Market

Employment figures from ONS Annual Population Survey (APS). Counts are estimates; suppressed cells (small samples) are excluded from totals.

Pay by Region

Annual pay for Precision instrument makers and repairers across UK regions. The bar shows the typical pay range (25th–75th percentile); the diamond marks the median.

Source: ONS ASHE. Based on broad UK regions (NUTS1).

How Pay Has Changed Over Time

Annual pay grew by +21.5% from 2024 to 2025.

National average (NUTS1 actuals) based on ONS ASHE April snapshot. Shaded band shows 25th–75th percentile range.

Year-on-Year Pay Change

Annual percentage change in median pay for Precision instrument makers and repairers.

Percentage change from the prior year's April figure.

About Precision instrument makers and repairers

Precision instrument makers and repairers make, calibrate, test and repair precision and optical instruments such as barometers, compasses, cameras, calibrators, watches, clocks and chronometers.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• examines drawings or specifications to determine appropriate methods, materials and sequence of operation
• marks out and machines aluminium, brass, steel and plastics using machine tools such as grinders, lathes and shapers
• tests watches and clocks for repair to diagnose faults and removes, repairs or replaces damaged and worn parts
• tests completed timepiece for accuracy using electronic or other test equipment
• carries out service tasks such as cleaning, oiling and regulating
• checks prepared parts for accuracy using measuring equipment, assembles parts and adjusts as necessary using hand and machine tools
• positions, aligns and secures optical lenses in mounts
• tests, adjusts and repairs precision and optical instruments

Entry Routes and Qualifications

Some GCSEs/S grades qualifications may be required. Training is usually via an apprenticeship including work experience and practical and technical training leading to recognised awards.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.