Introduction
Stringed Instrument Repairers and Tuners specialize in the maintenance, repair, and tuning of string instruments such as violins, violas, cellos, double basses, guitars, mandolins, and harps.
This career blends craftsmanship, musical knowledge, and technical skill. Many in this field work independently, serving musicians, orchestras, schools, and music stores. Some become luthiers, building custom stringed instruments.
What Does a Stringed Instrument Repairer and Tuner Do?
- Tuning & Setup: Adjusting strings, bridges, sound posts, and pegs to ensure proper pitch and tone.
- Repairs: Fixing cracks, warped necks, worn frets, or damaged bows.
- Refinishing: Sanding, polishing, and varnishing wood surfaces.
- Restoration: Bringing antique or damaged instruments back to playable condition.
- Customization: Modifying instruments for performance preferences.
- Consultation: Advising musicians on care, strings, and maintenance.
The work is highly detailed, requiring precision and patience.
Average Requirements
Education
- Minimum: High school diploma or GED.
- Preferred: Completion of a luthiery or instrument repair program, or apprenticeship.
Skills
- Strong musical ear for tuning.
- Knowledge of wood, varnish, and acoustics.
- Fine motor skills and craftsmanship.
- Patience and problem-solving ability.
- Customer service skills for working with musicians.
Certifications & Training
- No licensing required.
- Specialized training from instrument-making schools or apprenticeships.
- Workshops from manufacturers or luthier associations.
2025 BLS Salary and Job Outlook
The figures below are U.S. national estimates. Wages refer to May 2025; job growth and annual openings refer separately to the 2025–2035 BLS employment projections.
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners
Related O*NET occupation: Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners (49-9063.00). BLS reporting code: 49-9063.
Scope: These figures describe the full BLS occupation listed above, which may include other specialties and job titles. BLS does not publish a separate estimate for this exact guide title.
- Median wage (May 2025): $46,420 per year.
- Mean wage (May 2025): $49,960 per year.
- 10th percentile wage (May 2025): $31,220 per year.
- 25th percentile wage (May 2025): $37,670 per year.
- 75th percentile wage (May 2025): $58,430 per year.
- 90th percentile wage (May 2025): $71,600 per year.
- OEWS employment estimate (May 2025): 5,380. This estimate excludes self-employed workers.
- Employment in the projections base year (2025): 6,000.
- Projected employment (2035): 6,100.
- Projected employment change (2025–2035): 1.9%.
- Projected annual openings (2025–2035 average): 600. Openings include employment growth and workers leaving the occupation; they are not all newly created jobs.
Wage percentiles describe the distribution of wages, not guaranteed entry-level or experienced-worker salaries. National figures can differ from pay in a particular state, industry, or employer. OEWS wages do not include self-employed earnings. The projections employment estimates use a different coverage basis and may include self-employed workers.
Sources: BLS May 2025 national OEWS wage estimates; BLS 2025–2035 occupational projections, Table 1.2; BLS OEWS coverage and definitions.
Earnings Potential
- Entry-Level (0–2 years): $28,000 – $35,000 annually.
- Mid-Career (3–7 years): $35,000 – $45,000.
- Experienced (8–15 years): $45,000 – $60,000.
- Specialists / Luthiers / Shop Owners: $60,000 – $80,000+.
Income varies greatly depending on skill, clientele, and reputation. High-end luthiers can earn substantially more.
Growth Stages & Promotional Path
Stage 1: Apprentice / Trainee
- Works under an experienced repairer or luthier.
- Learns basic tuning, restringing, and cleaning.
Stage 2: Junior Repairer
- Performs routine repairs and setups for students and entry-level instruments.
Stage 3: Certified / Skilled Repairer
- Handles advanced repairs and works with professional musicians.
- Gains recognition for restoration and craftsmanship.
Stage 4: Senior Repairer / Restorer
- Specializes in high-value instrument restoration.
- Works with orchestras, collectors, or music schools.
Stage 5: Independent Luthier / Shop Owner
- Builds custom string instruments.
- Operates a repair and sales business.
Education & Training Path
- High School Prep: Music, woodworking, and art classes.
- Instrument Repair or Luthiery Program: Specialized 1–2 year training.
- Apprenticeship: Mentorship under a skilled luthier or repairer.
- On-the-Job Experience: Building a reputation through quality work.
- Continuous Learning: Advanced training in restoration and acoustics.
Employment Outlook
- Projected Growth: ~3% through 2032 — steady but niche.
- Drivers of Demand:
- Schools and orchestras requiring ongoing instrument upkeep.
- Growth of boutique and custom instrument markets.
- Interest in restoring vintage and antique instruments.
- Challenges:
- Entry-level work may be seasonal or part-time.
- Some musicians opt to replace low-cost instruments instead of repairing them.
- Industries Hiring:
- Music stores.
- Independent luthier shops.
- Schools and orchestras.
- Antique restoration services.
Would You Like This Career?
This career may be perfect if you:
- Love music and string instruments.
- Enjoy fine-detail craftsmanship.
- Want to combine artistry with technical skill.
- Value independent, niche work with personal client relationships.
It may not suit you if you:
- Want rapid income growth or mainstream industry demand.
- Dislike detailed manual work.
- Prefer high-tech or fast-paced environments.
If you’re considering becoming a Stringed Instrument Repairer and Tuner, the best next step is to see if your motivations and natural strengths match this detailed, artistic trade. Take the Free MAPP Career Assessment at Assessment.com to discover whether this career fits your profile, or if another path in music or craftsmanship may suit you better.
