ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Instrument Maker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

gleason

Mechanic

Gleason, TN

Precision machining Tool and die maker Instrument maker Engine mechanic · Minimum 3 years' experience working with precision assemblies Examples: Spindle assembler Machine builder Engine builder Gun ...

gleason

Mechanic

Gleason, TN

Precision machining Tool and die maker Instrument maker Engine mechanic · Minimum 3 years' experience working with precision assemblies Examples: Spindle assembler Machine builder Engine builder Gun ...

Air Force Materiel Command

$61K - $97K/yr

Instrument maker or model maker who performed design or development work on devices fabricated. OR EDUCATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: Applicant must have successfully completed Two full years of ...

New

Wisconsin

Fabrication Shop Technician

Platteville, WI

$23/hr

Instrument Maker Position Summary: The Huff Family Innovation Center, part of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science, is hiring a Fabrication Shop Technician . The Fabrication Shop ...

New

Mule Resophonic GUitars

Guitar Maker

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$52K - $62K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking a skilled Guitar Maker to join our team at Mule Resophonic Guitars ... Conduct quality control checks throughout the production process to ensure each instrument meets ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsManufacturing JobsProduct Manufacturing JobsInstrument Technician JobsInstrument Maker Jobs

Instrument Maker information

See salary details

$14

$24

$32

How much do instrument maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument maker in the United States is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instrument maker?

Instrument Makers are skilled professionals who design, create, repair, and maintain precision instruments used in scientific, medical, musical, or industrial applications. They work with a variety of materials, such as metal, wood, and plastics, using both hand tools and advanced machinery to craft custom instruments or modify existing ones. Their expertise is crucial in ensuring that instruments function accurately and reliably for their intended purposes. Instrument Makers often collaborate with scientists, engineers, and musicians to meet specific requirements. This role requires a combination of technical skill, creativity, and attention to detail.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an instrument maker?

To thrive as an Instrument Maker, you need strong mechanical aptitude, precision measurement skills, and a background in machining or engineering, often supported by vocational training or an apprenticeship. Proficiency with tools such as lathes, milling machines, and CAD software—as well as knowledge of materials and quality control systems—is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and patience are vital soft skills for producing high-quality, accurate instruments. These competencies ensure the creation of reliable, precise instruments required for scientific, medical, or industrial applications.

What are some common challenges instrument makers face when working on custom projects?

Instrument Makers often encounter challenges related to precise measurements and material selection, especially when creating custom or one-of-a-kind pieces. Collaborating closely with clients or musicians to interpret specific needs can add complexity, as the requirements may not always be clearly defined. Additionally, balancing traditional craftsmanship with modern tools and techniques is essential for meeting quality standards and deadlines. Effective communication and a keen eye for detail are crucial to overcoming these challenges and delivering instruments that meet or exceed expectations.

How do you become an instrument maker?

To become an instrument maker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an apprenticeship in woodworking, metalworking, or instrument craftsmanship. Many pursue a technical or vocational program in instrument making, woodworking, or related fields, and develop skills in precision, attention to detail, and familiarity with tools and materials used in crafting musical or scientific instruments.

How much does an instrument maker make?

An instrument maker typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specialization. Skilled instrument makers often work with precise tools and may require certifications or apprenticeships to advance their earnings.
More about Instrument Maker jobs

What cities are hiring for Instrument Maker jobs?

Cities with the most Instrument Maker job openings:

What states have the most Instrument Maker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Instrument Maker jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Instrument Maker jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Instrument Maker jobs are:

Instrument Maker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument Maker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,042 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Engineering Technician

US Department of Commerce

Fairbanks, AK • On-site

$84K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

U.S. Department Of Commerce rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 848 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO), with one vacancy in Fairbanks, AK.
This position is also announced under vacancy number NESDIS-26-13024777-DE, which is open to all US Citizens or Nationals. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.Qualifications:

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
EDUCATION: There is no positive education requirement for this position.
Examples of qualifying specialized experiencefor the 802 series in general include technical work in: drafting, surveying construction estimating, physical science, mathematics, aerospace, architecture, chemicals, electrical or mechanical systems, mining, petroleum, or nuclear systems.

Experience in a trade or craft may be credited as specialized experience when the work provided intensive knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, methods, and precedents. Examples are trade positions with substantial developmental, test, or design responsibilities such as:

  • Planner and estimator who analyzed designs for production purposes.
  • Instrument maker or model maker who performed design or development work on devices fabricated.


SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
To qualify at the ZT-4 or GS-11 level:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZT-3 or GS-10 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Providing technical support for essential building services and systems including, but not limited to, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and waste management on a routine and emergency basis;
  • Providing support for grounds and road maintenance, as well as site safety programs; and
  • Generating annual maintenance budgets and validating contractor proposals.
Education:

Substitution of education for specialized experience is not applicable to this vacancy.

Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Commerce employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply