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Guitar Building Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fender

Tune Tester

Corona, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong guitar building, woodworking and finishing skills, in addition to a full understanding of raw material specifications. * Excellent product knowledge of all models in current and past ...

Fender

Tune Tester

Corona, CA

$18 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong guitar building, woodworking and finishing skills, in addition to a full understanding of raw material specifications. * Excellent product knowledge of all models in current and past ...

Guitar Center

Guitar Teacher Store 498

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Why Guitar Center? * You should love where you work. That means competitive pay, health coverage ... We are focused on building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and we'd like to speak to ...

Guitar Center

Guitar Teacher Store 762

Marietta, GA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Why Guitar Center? * You should love where you work. That means competitive pay, health coverage ... We are focused on building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and we'd like to speak to ...

Guitar Center

Guitar Teacher Store 154

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Why Guitar Center? * You should love where you work. That means competitive pay, health coverage ... We are focused on building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and we'd like to speak to ...

Guitar Center

Guitar Teacher Store 781

Clearwater, FL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Why Guitar Center? * You should love where you work. That means competitive pay, health coverage ... We are focused on building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and we'd like to speak to ...

Guitar Center

Guitar Teacher Store 445

Webster, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Why Guitar Center? * You should love where you work. That means competitive pay, health coverage ... We are focused on building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and we'd like to speak to ...

Guitar Center

Guitar Teacher Store 462

Lubbock, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Why Guitar Center? * You should love where you work. That means competitive pay, health coverage ... We are focused on building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and we'd like to speak to ...

Guitar Center

Guitar Teacher Store 338

Kentwood, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Why Guitar Center? * You should love where you work. That means competitive pay, health coverage ... We are focused on building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and we'd like to speak to ...

Guitar Center

Guitar Teacher Store 453

Tyler, TX

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Why Guitar Center? * You should love where you work. That means competitive pay, health coverage ... We are focused on building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and we'd like to speak to ...

Guitar Center

Guitar Teacher Store 761

Atlanta, GA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Why Guitar Center? * You should love where you work. That means competitive pay, health coverage ... We are focused on building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and we'd like to speak to ...

Guitar Center

Guitar Teacher Store 831

Towson, MD · On-site

$23.95/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Why Guitar Center? * You should love where you work. That means competitive pay, health coverage ... We are focused on building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and we'd like to speak to ...

Guitar Center

Guitar Teacher Store 230

Seattle, WA

$28.83/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Why Guitar Center? * You should love where you work. That means competitive pay, health coverage ... We are focused on building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and we'd like to speak to ...

Guitar Center

Guitar Teacher Store 394

Oakdale, MN

$21.68/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Why Guitar Center? * You should love where you work. That means competitive pay, health coverage ... We are focused on building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and we'd like to speak to ...

Guitar Center

Guitar Teacher Store 426

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$27.33/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Why Guitar Center? * You should love where you work. That means competitive pay, health coverage ... We are focused on building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and we'd like to speak to ...

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All JobsGuitar Building Jobs

Guitar Building information

See salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do guitar building jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for guitar building in the United States is $18.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do guitar builders make?

Guitar builders typically earn between $25,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, skill level, and whether they work independently or for a company. Skilled luthiers with a strong reputation or specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially if they own their workshop or sell custom instruments.

How do you get into building guitars?

To become a guitar builder, gaining skills through woodworking, luthiery courses, or apprenticeships is essential. Practical experience with hand tools, understanding guitar anatomy, and knowledge of materials are important for starting a career in guitar building.

What are some common challenges faced by guitar builders during the production process?

Guitar builders often encounter challenges such as sourcing high-quality tonewoods, maintaining precise craftsmanship for consistent sound quality, and managing humidity or temperature fluctuations in the workshop to prevent wood warping. Additionally, achieving a flawless finish and setup requires close attention to detail and patience, especially when working on custom orders. Collaborating with musicians to tailor instruments to their preferences can also be both rewarding and demanding, as it requires clear communication and adaptability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a guitar builder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Guitar Builder, you need expertise in woodworking, instrument design, and a foundational understanding of acoustics, often supported by specialized training or apprenticeships. Familiarity with luthier tools, CNC machines, and finishing techniques—as well as knowledge of industry materials—is crucial. Attention to detail, patience, and problem-solving skills set outstanding builders apart. These abilities ensure the creation of high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing instruments that meet musicians' exacting standards.

What is the difference between Guitar Building vs Luthier?

AspectGuitar BuildingLuthier
CredentialsOften self-taught or vocational trainingFormal training or apprenticeships in instrument making
Work EnvironmentWorkshops, manufacturing facilities, or personal studiosCustom workshops, repair shops, or studios
Industry UsageManufacturing and custom guitar creationRepair, restoration, and custom instrument making

Guitar building involves designing and constructing guitars, often on a larger scale or for commercial purposes. A luthier specializes in crafting, repairing, and restoring stringed instruments, including guitars, with a focus on craftsmanship and customization. While both roles require knowledge of woodworking and instrument construction, guitar building emphasizes production, whereas luthiers focus on detailed craftsmanship and repair.

What are guitar building jobs?

The proper name for a guitar builder is a “luthier.” Guitar building is part artisanship and part science since luthiers need to have an understanding of both woodworking and acoustics. As a luthier, you may assemble guitars or construct other stringed instruments, such as violins, cellos, or mandolins. Depending on your specific position, you may design the instruments or build them according to a plan and blueprint created by others. Once the specifications have been confirmed, you sand and finish parts before assembling them together into the finished product. Luthiers work for both large commercial manufacturers and small, independent shops.

What is guitar building?

Guitar building is the craft of designing, constructing, and assembling guitars, either from scratch or using pre-made parts. This process includes selecting woods, shaping and joining the body and neck, installing hardware and electronics, and finishing the instrument. Guitar builders, also known as luthiers, use a combination of woodworking, electronics, and artistry to create custom or production guitars. The craft requires knowledge of acoustics, materials, and precise hand skills to ensure the instrument sounds and plays well.
More about Guitar Building jobs
What cities are hiring for Guitar Building jobs? Cities with the most Guitar Building job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Guitar Building jobs? The most popular types of Guitar Building jobs are:
What states have the most Guitar Building jobs? States with the most job openings for Guitar Building jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Guitar Building jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Guitar Building jobs are:
Guitar Building jobs near you
Infographic showing various Guitar Building job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,016 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Tune Tester

Fender

Corona, CA • On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Fender Musical Instruments rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is a world-famous brand with offices across the globeFender was born in Southern California and has built a worldwide influence beyond the studio and the stage. A Fender is more than an instrument; it's a cultural symbol that resonates globally.
We are searching for a Tune Tester to join the team. The Guitar Tune Tester will be responsible for providing a complete guitar inspection to include trouble shooting and quality for possible mechanical or cosmetic defects. The Tune Tester will also be responsible for the tune testing of various types of guitars in the final stages of the production process and will be required to fully understand product specification to perform necessary modifications.
Essential Functions:
  • Thoroughly inspect guitar for finish flaws.
  • Tune and test guitar for playability and intonation and make minor adjustments as needed.
  • Adjustment of truss rod and nut finishing. As well as level and dress frets.
  • Sand/buff neck finishes and frets.
  • Build control/pick guard assemblies.
  • Review routing packet that accompanies each guitar, verify, and confirm what type of standard work or customize work that needs to be completed on an assigned guitar.
  • Take inventory of specialty guitar hardware in routing packet and manage documents in routing packet.
  • Polish the body and neck of each guitar that is tune tested.
  • Complete all assigned work in an appropriate and timely manner.
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 1-2 years experience and/or training, preferably in production inspection and guitar playing experience.
  • Guitar playing background.
  • Strong guitar building, woodworking and finishing skills, in addition to a full understanding of raw material specifications.
  • Excellent product knowledge of all models in current and past production.
  • Knowledge and skills with fret leveling/dressing.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Experience with use of calipers, micrometer, digital multimeter, guitar building hand tools, feeler gauges, soldering equipment, and buffing wheel.
  • Ability to adhere to safety procedures, rules, and regulations at all times, and to wear personal protective equipment while on the factory floor, including, without limitation: safety glasses.

About Fender Musical Instruments:
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is one of the world's leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors, whose portfolio of brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel® and Groove Tubes®, among others. For more information, visit www.fender.com. FMIC offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, 401(k), paid time off, and an equipment purchase program to help you get the band back together. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veterans' status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.
Fender is required by law in certain jurisdictions to include a pay scale in the job posting for this position. "Pay scale" means the salary or hourly wage range that Fender reasonably expects to pay for this position; it is neither a promise nor a guarantee of the compensation that the successful candidate will receive. The pay scale for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that Fender considers in making compensation decisions, including, without limitation: skill set, experience, and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. If this is a remote position, the pay scale disclosed herein may be adjusted further based upon the applicable geographic differential associated with the location from which the successful candidate will work. Please note that it is not typical for a Fender employee to be at or near the top of the pay scale for their role - especially as a new hire - and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Subject to the foregoing, the current pay rate for this position is $18 to $19 per hour.
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