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Experienced Luthier Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Luthier & Workshop Assistant

New York, NY

$60K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Luthier & Workshop Assistant supports the preparation and presentation of auction inventory at ... Skills, Knowledge and Expertise * 2+ years of professional workshop experience in violin-family ...

Orchestral Luthier

Madison, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Hourly pay + bonus opportunities, based on experience and training * Relocation assistance available for eligible candidates Qualifications * Minimum of 2 years of orchestral string instrument repair ...

Orchestral Luthier

Madison, WI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Hourly pay + bonus opportunities, based on experience and training * Relocation assistance available for eligible candidates Qualifications * Minimum of 2 years of orchestral string instrument repair ...

Orchestral Luthier

Madison, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Hourly pay + bonus opportunities, based on experience and training * Relocation assistance available for eligible candidates Qualifications * Minimum of 2 years of orchestral string instrument repair ...

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Experienced Luthier information

See salary details

$31.5K

$60.4K

$120.5K

How much do experienced luthier jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for experienced luthier in the United States is $60,445.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an experienced luthier do?

An experienced luthier is a skilled craftsperson who builds, repairs, and restores stringed instruments such as guitars, violins, cellos, and more. Their work involves shaping wood, assembling instrument parts, setting up hardware, and ensuring the instrument produces high-quality sound. Luthiers may also customize instruments to meet a musician’s specific needs, and their expertise is often sought for both new creations and historical restorations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an experienced luthier?

To thrive as an Experienced Luthier, you need advanced woodworking skills, a deep understanding of acoustic principles, instrument construction, and repair techniques, often acquired through apprenticeships or specialized training. Familiarity with tools such as chisels, planes, specialized jigs, finishing materials, and sometimes CAD software for custom designs is important. Attention to detail, patience, problem-solving, and strong communication skills with clients are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the creation and restoration of high-quality instruments that meet precise musical and aesthetic standards, leading to client satisfaction and professional reputation.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by experienced luthiers in day-to-day work?

Experienced luthiers often encounter challenges such as sourcing high-quality tonewoods, balancing custom client requests with traditional construction methods, and maintaining precision in handcrafting instruments. Additionally, they must stay updated on advancements in tools and materials while managing repair work alongside new builds. Effective communication with musicians and fellow craftsmen is essential, as collaboration and feedback help ensure the final instrument meets both functional and artistic expectations.

What is the difference between Experienced Luthier vs Apprentice Luthier?

AspectExperienced LuthierApprentice Luthier
CredentialsAdvanced skills, certifications, extensive trainingOn-the-job training, basic skills development
Work EnvironmentIndependent workshops, repair shops, high-end instrument makersMentorship settings, entry-level workshops
Industry UsagePerforms complex repairs, custom instrument makingAssists senior luthiers, learns craft fundamentals

In summary, an Experienced Luthier has advanced skills, certifications, and works independently on complex projects, while an Apprentice Luthier is in training, gaining foundational skills under supervision. The transition from apprentice to experienced luthier involves gaining hands-on experience and certifications.

More about Experienced Luthier jobs

What cities are hiring for Experienced Luthier jobs?

Cities with the most Experienced Luthier job openings:

What states have the most Experienced Luthier jobs?

States with the most job openings for Experienced Luthier jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Experienced Luthier jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Experienced Luthier jobs are:

Infographic showing various Experienced Luthier job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,445 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Part Time String Luthier Apprentice

Bell's Music Shop

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Part-Time String Instrument Luthier Apprentice

Bell's Music Shop, Inc.
Part-Time | 15–20 Hours per Week | Starting Pay: $15.00/hour


Bell's Music Shop, Inc. is seeking a part-time String Instrument Luthier Apprentice to train and work directly alongside our master luthier.

This is a hands-on apprenticeship focused specifically on violin-family and orchestral string instruments: violin, viola, cello, and upright bass. This is not a guitar repair position.

We are looking for someone who enjoys working with their hands, has excellent attention to detail, and is genuinely interested in learning the specialized craft of string instrument repair, setup, and restoration.


What You'll Learn

Working directly with our master luthier, you will receive hands-on instruction while assisting with the daily work of the repair shop. Training may include:

  • Violin, viola, cello, and bass inspection and evaluation
  • Instrument setup and adjustment
  • Bridge fitting and adjustment
  • Peg and fingerboard maintenance
  • Bow and instrument maintenance
  • Cleaning, polishing, and instrument preparation
  • Basic repair and restoration techniques
  • Proper use and care of specialized luthier tools
  • Safe handling of customer and shop instruments
  • More advanced repair techniques as your skills develop

Previous professional luthier experience is not required. This position is intended for someone who wants to learn the craft.


Korean Language Requirement

Conversational Korean proficiency is required for this position.

The apprentice will work directly with and receive hands-on instruction from our master luthier, whose primary language is Korean. The ability to understand and communicate in Korean is necessary for effective day-to-day training, technical instruction, and workshop communication.

Applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Korean language proficiency is a communication requirement of the position; Korean nationality or ethnicity is not.


What We're Looking For

  • Conversational proficiency in Korean
  • Genuine interest in violin, viola, cello, and bass repair
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Good hand-eye coordination and mechanical aptitude
  • Patience and the ability to perform precise, careful work
  • Willingness to learn through hands-on instruction
  • Dependability and a strong work ethic
  • Ability to maintain a consistent part-time schedule
  • Respect for delicate and valuable musical instruments

Experience playing violin, viola, cello, or upright bass is a plus but not required.

Experience with woodworking, musical instrument repair, jewelry making, machining, model building, fine crafts, or other detailed hands-on work may also be helpful.


Position Details

Company: Bell's Music Shop, Inc.
Position: String Instrument Luthier Apprentice
Job Type: Part-Time
Hours: Approximately 15–20 hours per week
Starting Pay: $15.00 per hour

This is an opportunity to learn a highly specialized trade directly from an experienced master luthier. For the right person, we're looking for more than someone to simply fill part-time hours—we want someone who is interested in developing real skills and becoming increasingly capable in the craft.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume along with a short introduction telling us:

  • Your level of Korean language proficiency
  • Any experience you have with violin, viola, cello, or upright bass
  • Any woodworking, repair, mechanical, artistic, or other hands-on experience
  • Why you're interested in learning the craft of luthiery

We value patience, craftsmanship, reliability, and a willingness to learn. If that sounds like you, we'd like to hear from you.

Company Description

Founded in 2008 by Steve Bell, Sr. and Steve Bell, Jr., Bell's Music Shop has built a reputation for quality service, affordable pricing, and integrity. We proudly serve school music programs throughout North Texas and are passionate about helping musicians succeed.

If you're looking for more than just a job—and want to build a lifelong career in a specialized trade—we'd love to meet you.