ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Music Instrument Repair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMusic Instrument Repair JobsFreelance Music Instrument Repair Jobs

Freelance Music Instrument Repair information

See salary details

$20.5K

$41.4K

$58K

How much do freelance music instrument repair jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance music instrument repair in the United States is $41,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $46,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Music Instrument Repair Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Music Instrument Repair Technician, you need a solid understanding of instrument mechanics, repair techniques, and often a background in music or formal training in instrument repair. Familiarity with specialized hand tools, ultrasonic cleaners, and possibly certification from organizations like NAPBIRT (National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians) is valuable. Strong attention to detail, excellent customer service, and effective time management distinguish top performers in this field. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring high-quality repairs, building client trust, and maintaining a successful independent practice.

What is the difference between Freelance Music Instrument Repair vs Music Instrument Technician?

AspectFreelance Music Instrument RepairMusic Instrument Technician
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required, but specialized training is commonOften requires certifications or technical training in instrument repair and maintenance
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed, working at client locations or own workshopUsually employed by music stores, repair shops, or institutions
Industry UsageServes individual musicians, bands, and small businessesServes retail stores, schools, and larger organizations

Freelance Music Instrument Repair involves independent work, often with flexible hours and varied clients, while Music Instrument Technicians are typically employed by organizations with more structured environments. Both roles require technical skills, but certifications are more common for technicians. The choice depends on your preferred work setting and career path.

What does a freelance music instrument repair technician do?

A freelance music instrument repair technician is a skilled professional who diagnoses, maintains, and fixes musical instruments independently rather than working for a single employer. They work with a variety of instruments, such as brass, woodwind, string, and percussion, and may perform tasks like cleaning, tuning, replacing parts, and restoring damaged instruments. Freelancers often work from their own workshop or travel to clients, including musicians, schools, and music stores. Their goal is to ensure instruments are in optimal playing condition and to extend their lifespan.

What are some common challenges freelance music instrument repair technicians face when managing their own business?

Freelance music instrument repair technicians often juggle multiple responsibilities beyond just repairing instruments, such as client communication, scheduling, and managing their own inventory of parts and tools. One common challenge is building a steady client base, especially when starting out, as word-of-mouth and reputation are crucial in this field. Additionally, freelancers must keep up with evolving repair techniques and a wide variety of instrument types, which requires ongoing learning and adaptability. Balancing hands-on repair work with administrative tasks can also be demanding but is key to running a successful freelance operation.
More about Freelance Music Instrument Repair jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Music Instrument Repair jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Music Instrument Repair job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Music Instrument Repair jobs? The most popular types of Music Instrument Repair jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Music Instrument Repair jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Music Instrument Repair jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Music Instrument Repair jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Music Instrument Repair jobs are:
Freelance Music Instrument Repair jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Music Instrument Repair job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,375 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
Music Instrument Repair Specialist

Music Instrument Repair Specialist

Music & Arts

Anderson, SC

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Music & Arts rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 728 rated retailers

Job description

An instrument repair technician's job is to repair musical instruments in a timely and proficient manner so that the instrument is returned to the customer in good playing order. A tech can specialize in one type of instrument, or work on multiple types.

Essential Functions (not all-inclusive):

  • Clean and repair of at least one type instrument -- brass, woodwind, orchestral or percussion
  • Provide estimates for repair of instruments
  • Work on a timetable to ensure that work is completed within estimated cost/time.
  • Work on customer owned and retail instruments from the student level to professional instruments
  • Perform work at an hourly rate in excess of the shops hourly rate, and work must be of excellent quality
  • Other duties as assigned, such as assisting at repair clinics or school events.
About Music & Arts

The first Music & Arts was located in a small house in Bethesda, MD and run by founder Benjamin O'Brien. When Music & Arts opened its doors in 1952, we offered printed music, music lessons, dance lessons, and art supplies. Ben decided shortly after opening his business that he wanted to focus on music to better serve his customers -- a decision that remains intact to this day.

Since the 1990's, Music & Arts has expanded nationwide through organic growth and a series of acquisitions and mergers with other music dealers. In 2005, Music & Arts joined forces with American Music to become the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer in the United States. Based in Frederick, MD, Music & Arts is now part of the Guitar Center enterprise and comprises 200+ retail stores, 120+ educational representatives, and 300+ affiliate locations.

Minimum Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Apprenticeship or a diploma for an accredited repair school
  • At least 6 years' experience in working on musical instruments on a daily basis preferred
  • Strings Experience

Physical Demand & Work Effort

  • Noise environment
  • Standing, sitting, walking
  • Lifting, pushing and pulling of instruments and cases up to 75 pounds
  • Mild cleaning chemical smell
Love this gig and want to apply?

Send your resume and cover letter today along with salary expectations!

Music & Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐ related requirements.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by calling 1‐818-735-8800 ext. 2862 or by sending an email to recruiting@guitarcenter.com.

What Music & Arts employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply