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What's the salary outlook for Musical Instrument Repairer and Tuner and is it growing?

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Tech & EngineeringStable

Musical Instrument Repairer and Tuner

Operational-level

Also known as: Accordion Repairer, Accordion Tuner, Band Instrument Repair Technician (Band Instrument Repair Tech), Band Instrument Repairer

Tech & EngineeringBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Musical Instrument Repairer and Tuner, you fix a variety of instruments like pianos, guitars, drums, or wind instruments. You use your hands to meticulously handle tools and parts, working indoors in a controlled environment. Accuracy is key as you diagnose issues and perform precise adjustments or repairs. You'll communicate with clients, often by phone and email, making decisions about the best way to restore their instruments. This role is ideal if you're detail-oriented, enjoy hands-on work, and love bringing instruments back to life.
Musical Instrument RepairPiano TuningLuthierAcousticsTechnical TradesCraftsmanshipEngineeringTechnicalAutomotiveEnergy

A Day in the Life

You arrive at "The Instrument Clinic" in downtown Denver, the smell of wood and metal faintly in the air. First, you boot up your computer to check emails and today’s repair schedule. A new ukulele awaits, its neck bowed. You gather your tools – a precision straightedge, a small mallet, and various hex keys – setting up your workbench. The morning quiet lets you focus as you carefully assess the instrument, noting every detail.

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+1.9%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

600

per year (US)

Jobs today

6,000

in 2025 → 6,100 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
Low
Contact with others
Moderate
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

The outlook for Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners is stable, with about 600 openings projected each year through 2035. The median annual wage is around $46,420. People often start in entry-level repair roles and can advance to specialized craftsmanship, managing a workshop, or becoming an expert consultant.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Instrument Repair Apprentice
  • Junior Luthier Assistant
  • Repair Shop Assistant

Where it can lead

  • Master Instrument Craftsman
  • Music Instrument Workshop Manager
  • Specialized Instrument Consultant

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely assist musical instrument repairers and tuners by providing advanced diagnostic tools, such as precise sound analysis for tuning and identifying subtle structural issues. It could also offer access to extensive databases of repair techniques and schematics. However, the artisanal skill, tactile precision, and nuanced understanding of musicality will remain fundamentally human, positioning AI as an enhancing assistant rather than a replacement.

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Salary

$46,420

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Mechanics and Repairers, General

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Instrumentation Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Electrical Engineering

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

Technical Specialist

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 1 year

Electrician

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

Construction Technology

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

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