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Freelance Music Instrument Repair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Freelance Music Instrument Repair information

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$20.5K

$41.4K

$58K

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

As of Jul 5, 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:
Infographic showing various Freelance Music Instrument Repair job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,375 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
MANAGER: MUSICAL INSTRUMENT REPAIR SHOP

MANAGER: MUSICAL INSTRUMENT REPAIR SHOP

Albuquerque Public Schools

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$63K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Albuquerque Public Schools rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

234th of 559 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

This is a re-advertisement. Previous applicants will still be considered and do not need to reapply.
The Manager of the Musical Instrument Repair Shop (MIRS) will supervise and craft as assigned to ensure timely completion of work orders throughout the district. The Manager will also supervise and evaluate the personnel within the MIRS and will aid the efficiency and efficacy of the shop technicians.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Incumbent must achieve the following outcomes with or without reasonable accommodation:
  • Interviews, evaluates, assigns, instructs and directs work activities for all Musical Instrument Repair Shop (MIRS) personnel.
  • Sets work performance standards, evaluates work methods, coordinates activities and inspects results.
  • Performs inspections on all outside contractor work within area of expertise.
  • Estimates job costs, orders materials, schedules work, assures availability of supplies and equipment.
  • Oversees required scheduled maintenance and emergency repairs as necessary and ensures proper records are kept.
  • Develops and implements policies to ensure all rules, regulations and codes are met by all workers.
  • Innovates, develops, and refines shop processes and shop workflow design models to improve efficiency and effectiveness of shop processes and to support safe, effective, and efficient repair practices in the shop.
  • Performs school-site and shop-site assessment of repair needs for APS fleet instruments to properly maintain and care for district musical instrument assets.
  • Working directly with and at schools to manage and maintain instrument assets.
  • Maintains repairs, restores, and tunes various types of musical instruments using a variety of tools and methods
  • Manages the district instrument asset inventory system in TipWeb.
  • Receiving instruments ordered with district Mill Levy funding and getting them received, barcoded, and delivered to school sites.
  • Drives a variety of vehicles transporting instruments between the shop and school sites
  • Supervises the work of semi-skilled workers by assisting, directing, instructing, and checking work.
  • Arranges contract repairs on specialized musical repair equipment when necessary by obtaining price estimates, overseeing the repair process, and approving final invoices for payment.
  • Receives and responds to inquiries regarding the services provided by the MIRS.
  • Track expenditures, oversee proper fiscal procedures, and ensure equity of services across the district.
  • Assists in maintaining the supplies and inventory necessary for timely completion of projects.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Working knowledge of the function, mechanics, and acoustics of musical instruments
  • Knowledge of current effective and efficient practices and techniques in musical instrument repair and repair shop workflow
  • Ability to quickly and thoroughly assess the functionality of musical instruments
  • Ability to play test all wind-instrument musical instruments
  • Experience and facility with shop layout and design
  • Facilitation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills and experience.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Flexibility, organization, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to meet deadlines, work on multiple projects and coordinate the work of others.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's Degree and four years of experience in Musical Instrument Repair and at least three years of managerial experience in a Musical Instrument Repair Shop or High School Diploma or GED and ten years of experience in Musical Instrument Repair and at least five years of managerial experience in a Musical Instrument Repair Shop.
  • Certificate in Technical Repair from an accredited program or well-documented apprenticeship program
  • Ability to play the musical instruments repaired to a reasonable proficiency

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Contact: Joseph Gershin at / joseph.gershin@aps.edu
APPLY TO:
Please apply at www.aps.edu and submit a District Support application. A cover letter, resume and any other supporting documents MUST be submitted prior to 4:00 PM on the closing date of the advertisement for your application to be considered complete. Cover letter and resumes are considered valid for one year from the submission date.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
GRADE / LEVEL: DSE11
SALARY: $63,779.64
DAYS: 256
HOURS: 8
START DATE: 7/31/2025
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