Musical Instrument Repairer

Your Fit

Income

$45K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

-9.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Musical Instrument Repairer?

Musical Instrument Repairers are skilled technicians who specialize in fixing, maintaining, and restoring various musical instruments. They combine their knowledge of music with technical skills to ensure instruments produce the best possible sound and performance.

Sample job titles:

Banjo Repair Person, Luthier, Piano Technician, Piano Tuner

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Musical Instrument Repairer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Musical Instrument Repairer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$30K per year	$36K per year	$45K per year	$57K per year	$73K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $4.18K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Musical Instrument Repairer do?

Work environment

Repairers typically work in repair shops, music stores, or self-owned studios. The environment is detail-oriented and requires precision. Some may travel to schools, orchestras, or clients' homes for on-site repairs. The work usually follows regular business hours, but flexibility can be required for urgent repair needs.

Quick task list

Diagnoses and repairs issues with musical instruments.
Performs routine maintenance and cleaning.
Restores old or damaged instruments.
Adjusts instruments to improve sound quality.
Consults with musicians to understand their needs and preferences.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

String Instrument Repair: Specializing in instruments like violins, cellos, and guitars.
Wind Instrument Repair: Focusing on woodwinds and brass instruments.
Percussion Instrument Maintenance: Handling repairs and maintenance of percussion instruments.
Electronic Instrument Servicing: Working on electronic keyboards and synthesizers.

Description

Musical Instrument Repairers must possess a unique blend of fine craftsmanship, patience, and a deep understanding of musical acoustics. Their work involves a variety of tasks, from simple adjustments, like restringing a guitar, to more complex repairs, such as fixing the mechanics of a woodwind instrument or restoring an antique piano. An in-depth knowledge of how different instruments are constructed and how they produce sound is crucial.

They often use a wide range of tools and techniques, depending on the type of instrument and the nature of the repair. Repairers need to be meticulous, as even minor adjustments can significantly affect an instrument's sound. They also need to keep up with new technologies and repair methods, especially for electronic and digital instruments.

Good communication skills are essential, as repairers often work closely with musicians to understand their needs and ensure that the instrument meets their expectations. They must be able to assess the musician's requirements and provide advice on care and maintenance of the instruments.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Helping musicians achieve the best performance from their instruments.
The joy of restoring and preserving musical instruments.
Working in a field that combines technical skills with a love of music.

You might make a good Musical Instrument Repairer if you are...

Passionate about music and musical instruments.
Skilled with your hands and have an eye for detail.
Patient and enjoy solving complex problems.
Interested in the mechanics of how things work.
Good at communicating with clients to understand their needs.

Pros:

Fulfilling work for those passionate about music.
Opportunities for self-employment and flexible work arrangements.
Diverse work with a variety of instruments.

Cons:

Requires significant skill development and ongoing learning.
Can involve repetitive and meticulous tasks.
May have irregular workloads depending on demand and seasonality.

How to become a Musical Instrument Repairer

Typical education

While a high school diploma is often sufficient, many repairers have additional training from vocational schools, specialized workshops, or apprenticeships. Knowledge of music and playing experience with various instruments is highly beneficial.

High school preparation

Courses:

Music classes to develop an understanding of different instruments.
Shop or woodworking classes for hands-on skills.
Art classes to develop an eye for detail and aesthetics.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a school band or orchestra.
Volunteering at local music events or repair shops.
Working on personal instrument repair or building projects.

Preparation after high school

Seek specialized training programs or apprenticeships in instrument repair.
Gain experience through internships or entry-level positions in music stores.
Consider courses in business management if planning to run a repair shop.

More resources

National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT) - Offers training and resources for repair technicians.
Guild of American Luthiers - Provides resources and networking opportunities for string instrument repairers.
Musical Instrument Technicians Association (MITA) - Offers information and support for those in the profession.
YouTube Tutorials - Search for specific instrument repair tutorials to learn and observe techniques.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.