Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
Repair percussion, stringed, reed, or wind instruments. May specialize in one area, such as piano tuning.
Median pay: $46,420/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +1.4% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Adjust string tensions to tune instruments, using hand tools and electronic tuning devices.
• Compare instrument pitches with tuning tool pitches to tune instruments.
• Play instruments to evaluate their sound quality and to locate any defects.
• Disassemble instruments and parts for repair and adjustment.
• Repair or replace musical instrument parts and components, such as strings, bridges, felts, and keys, using hand and power tools.
• Reassemble instruments following repair, using hand tools and power tools and glue, hair, yarn, resin, or clamps, and lubricate instruments as necessary.
• Inspect instruments to locate defects, and to determine their value or the level of restoration required.
• Shape old parts and replacement parts to improve tone or intonation, using hand tools, lathes, or soldering irons.
What's the median pay for Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners?
The median pay for Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners is $46,420 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners?
Employment for Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners is projected to change +1.4% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners?
About 600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.