Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners Salary 2025: $46,420 Median, Job Outlook & How to Start

How much Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners earn

The median annual wage is $46,420, with a mean wage of $49,960. Hourly pay averages roughly $22. Most workers fall between $31,220 (10th percentile) and $71,600 (90th percentile). Pay varies by specialty; piano tuners, for example, may earn differently from guitar or brass repairers. Experience and reputation push earnings higher, especially for those who build a client base or work in high-cost areas.

Employers range from music stores and schools to self-employment. Self-employed repairers often set their own rates, which can exceed the BLS averages once they have a steady clientele.

Pay by state

Michigan tops the list at $59,570, followed by New Jersey and Tennessee, both at $58,730. Maryland ($55,130) and Oregon ($54,800) round out the top five. These states likely have higher demand or cost-of-living adjustments. On the lower end, Oklahoma pays $31,160, Georgia $29,640, and Mississippi $23,980. The wide geographic spread shows that location matters significantly—a repairer in Michigan can earn more than double their counterpart in Mississippi.

How to become Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuner

Most repairers learn through a combination of formal training and on-the-job apprenticeships. Associate degree programs in musical instrument repair are offered at a handful of technical schools and community colleges. These programs typically last one to two years and cover woodwind, brass, string, and piano repair. Apprenticeships with established repair shops are another common route, often lasting 2-4 years.

No state license is required, but certification from the Piano Technicians Guild or the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians can boost credibility. Employers usually prefer someone with strong manual dexterity, patience, and basic knowledge of acoustics and music.

• Complete a certificate or associate degree in musical instrument repair (1-2 years).
• Find an apprenticeship with a repair shop or experienced tuner (2-4 years).
• Consider voluntary certification (e.g., RPT from PTG).
• Build a portfolio and client base; many repairers eventually go solo.

Job outlook

Employment is projected to grow 1.4% from 2024 to 2034, which is slower than the average for all occupations. However, about 600 openings per year are expected, mostly due to the need to replace workers who retire or leave the field. The small size of the occupation means job opportunities will be limited but steady. Geographic mobility helps; areas with more music schools, orchestras, and instrument retailers offer the best chances.

Demand is partly tied to student participation in school music programs and the overall health of the music industry. While growth is slow, the work is hands-on and resistant to automation, making it a stable craft career.

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