Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners fall under the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair category in the U.S. occupational classification. Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners earn a median salary of $46,420 per year, ranking in the top 77% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +1.9% job growth through 2035, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do musical instrument repairers and tuners earn?

The median annual wage for musical instrument repairers and tuners is $46,420. That puts musical instrument repairers and tuners at #632 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is musical instrument repairers and tuners a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for musical instrument repairers and tuners is +1.9%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 6K positions in 2024 to 6K in 2034, a net change of <1K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What education does my child need to become musical instrument repairers and tuner?

Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

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Common questions parents ask about musical instrument repairers and tuners