by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in precision systems maintenance and repair will prepare you for a number of career options that deal with precise and detailed workmanship. Careers in this field can include watchmakers, instrument repair, jewelers, gunsmiths, locksmith and safe repairers. You may be responsible for taking apart watches to determine why they don't keep time, or you may be responsible for cleaning and repairing guns where precision is critical to the device's operation. The number of career options in this field are vast and varied.
Although these careers may seem wildly different and each in a different industry, each of them is similar in that these positions focus on the ability to maintain and repair precise instruments and tools.
Schools offering degrees in precision systems maintenance will focus on teaching skills in mathematics, safety and how to work with and maintain precision tools.
In 2021-2022, precision systems maintenance was the 241st most popular major nationwide with 2,185 degrees awarded. This year's Best Precision Systems Maintenance Schools ranking compares 3 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom precision systems rankings further below.
Some careers in precision systems maintenance will only require a high school diploma, while others will require education at the associate level or through a vocational school. Much of this work will be learned through an apprenticeship program as the only way to truly learn is by hands-on learning.
In addition to education, you will also need to have a set of skills required to be successful in precision systems. This includes manual dexterity. Precision systems require precision movements and precise details. Measuring and manipulating extremely small parts and tools will require you to be quite dexterous. You will also need to be able to successfully troubleshoot issues. You may not be able to see the root of an issue, but you will need to use your knowledge of mechanical systems to be able to troubleshoot and repair these types of precision systems.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. In addition to these basic precision systems maintenance program qualifications, to serve in some precision systems careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are many different precision systems degree levels. You can get anything from a in precision systems maintenance to the highest precision systems degree, a . The type of precision systems degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| 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 precision systems, with approximately 4.8% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to precision systems tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | 47.8% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 29.7% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 6.9% |
| Some College Courses | 6.8% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 4.4% |
The chart below shows what degree level those who work in precision systems maintenance have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the precision systems career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your precision systems degree? Precision Systems Maintenance careers are expected to grow 4.0% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to precision systems maintenance.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers | 190,300 | 8.2% |
| Jewelers, Precious Stone and Metal Workers | 35,200 | -6.6% |
| Locksmiths and Safe Repairers | 27,800 | -3.1% |
| Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers | 12,800 | 1.6% |
| Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners | 8,400 | 1.2% |
Recently graduated precision systems maintenance students earned an average of $45,889 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $16,193 to as high as $58,977. As you might expect, salaries for precision systems graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for precision systems maintenance graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers precision systems grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers | $58,060 |
| Watch Repairers | $44,830 |
| Locksmiths and Safe Repairers | $43,740 |
| Jewelers, Precious Stone and Metal Workers | $43,570 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers | $43,050 |
With over 78 different precision systems 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 precision systems school rankings to help you with this.
Precision Systems Maintenance is one of 7 different types of Mechanic & Repair Technologies programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Gunsmithing/Gunsmith | 1,820 |
| Musical Instrument Fabrication & Repair | 194 |
| Watchmaking & Jewelrymaking | 74 |
| Locksmithing & Safe Repair | 72 |
| Precision Systems Maintenance & Repair Technologies, Other | 25 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance & Repair | 63,451 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration | 21,891 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance | 8,446 |
| Electronics Maintenance & Repair | 8,127 |
| Mechanic & Repair Tech (Other) | 1,184 |
Image Credit: By Phasmatisnox under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
