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Music Instrument Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

St. Olaf College

Instrument Coordinator

Northfield, MN · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Music Department. Classification: Non-Exempt. FTE: 0.75. Work Schedule: 30 hours per week (hours ... Coordinate instrument repairs with appropriate and vetted technicians. * Assist St. Olaf students ...

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Music Instrument Technician information

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How much do music instrument technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for music instrument technician in the United States is $30.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $35.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Music Instrument Technician, you need a solid understanding of instrument mechanics, repair techniques, and acoustics, often gained through specialized training or apprenticeships. Familiarity with hand tools, diagnostic equipment, and sometimes certification from organizations like the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT) is valuable. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong customer service skills help technicians excel in diagnosing issues and interacting with musicians. These skills are crucial for ensuring high-quality repairs, customer satisfaction, and the optimal performance of musical instruments.

What does a Music Instrument Technician do?

A Music Instrument Technician is responsible for repairing, maintaining, and tuning various musical instruments such as pianos, guitars, brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments. They ensure that instruments are in optimal playing condition by diagnosing issues, replacing parts, and performing routine maintenance. Technicians may work in music stores, repair shops, schools, or independently, and often advise musicians on proper instrument care.

What is the difference between Music Instrument Technician vs Luthier?

AspectMusic Instrument TechnicianLuthier
CredentialsTechnical certifications, instrument repair trainingApprenticeships, specialized lutherie courses
Work EnvironmentRepair shops, music stores, manufacturing facilitiesWorkshop, custom shop, repair studio
Employer & IndustryMusic stores, instrument manufacturers, repair servicesCustom instrument makers, repair shops, luthier studios

Music Instrument Technicians focus on repairing, maintaining, and adjusting a wide range of musical instruments using technical skills and certifications. Luthiers specialize in crafting and repairing stringed instruments, often requiring specialized craftsmanship and apprenticeships. While both roles involve instrument repair, technicians typically work on various instruments in commercial settings, whereas luthiers often create and restore high-end stringed instruments in specialized workshops.

How to become a musical instrument technician?

To become a musical instrument technician, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or an apprenticeship in instrument repair and maintenance. Developing skills in electronics, woodworking, and acoustics is important, and some technicians pursue certifications from professional organizations to enhance their credentials. Experience working with various instruments and familiarity with tools and repair techniques are essential for success in this field.

What are some common challenges faced by Music Instrument Technicians in their daily work?

Music Instrument Technicians often encounter challenges such as diagnosing complex issues in instruments, sourcing rare or specialized parts, and meeting tight deadlines for repairs—especially during peak performance seasons. Additionally, technicians must stay updated on evolving instrument technology and manufacturing methods. Successful technicians develop strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, and they frequently collaborate with musicians, educators, and retailers to ensure instruments are maintained to the highest standards.

What does an instrument technician do?

An instrument technician repairs, maintains, and tunes musical instruments to ensure they function properly and sound their best. They often work in repair shops, music stores, or performance venues, using tools and technical skills to diagnose issues and perform adjustments or restorations.

Where do instrumentation technicians make the most money?

Instrumentation technicians tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a strong industrial or manufacturing presence, such as areas with large oil and gas, chemical, or power plant industries. Salaries are also higher in locations with a high cost of living and where specialized skills, certifications, and experience are in demand. Overall, geographic location significantly influences compensation for instrumentation technicians.

How much do instrument techs get paid?

In Louisiana, music instrument technicians typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of instruments serviced. Entry-level technicians may start at lower wages, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Many technicians also work in retail or repair shops, often requiring knowledge of repair tools and maintenance procedures.
More about Music Instrument Technician jobs
What states have the most Music Instrument Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Music Instrument Technician jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Music Instrument Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Music Instrument Technician jobs are:
Music Instrument Technician jobs near you
Orchestral String Instrument Repair Technician / Luthier

Orchestral String Instrument Repair Technician / Luthier

Kincaid's Is Music

Springfield, OH • On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Responsive recruiter
Benefits:
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Simple IRA matching
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance

Career Summary
We are seeking an Orchestral String Instrument Repair Technician / Luthier to join our team!
**The position is flexible - it could be full-time or part-time! Please apply and we can determine what works for both of us! (The listed benefits assume full-time.)
As an Orchestral String Instrument Repair Technician, you will be responsible for determining each customer's repair needs, diagnosing issues, evaluating the sound, and making recommendations on what the best next steps are for repair or restoration.
You will use tools alongside your own hearing to diagnose instruments, disassemble and reassemble instruments as needed, and repair or replace instrument parts and components. The ideal candidate will have experience playing and working with orchestral string instruments, have a musical background, and will have excellent problem-solving skills.
Responsibilities
  • Listen to customer's concerns and needs about their instruments
  • Play instruments to help diagnose potential issues or defects & ensure repair completion
  • Disassemble instruments, make repairs or replace parts, and reassemble instruments
  • Use a variety of tools to assist in repairing instruments
  • Occasionally be on-site for local events to provide emergency string repair services
  • As the company grows, you may eventually be asked to help apprentice a new technician

The Pay
Salary: Hourly- or Commission-based (negotiable). If hourly, starting at $17/hr. (based on experience). If commission, 40% of labor for customer repairs.
Part-Time Benefits:
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Simple IRA matching
  • Great Work Environment
  • Employee Discounts
  • Training & Development Opportunities
  • Tools are company-owned and provided

Full-Time Benefits:
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation & Sick Leave
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
The Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Experience with a variety of orchestral string instruments desired
  • Knowledge of and capably use the tools of the trade
  • Strong communication and customer service skills
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • The ability to multitask, and take on multiple projects at once
  • A discerning ear
  • Excellent wood-working skills
  • Able to play-test the instruments (violin, viola, cello, and string bass)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficiently play an orchestral string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or string bass)
  • Have good relationships within the orchestral string world
  • Can make suggestions for how we can improve our orchestral string offerings

The Company
Kincaid's Is Music is the top music instrument and accessory company for school music, founded in 1955 by Bradley Kincaid. We help our customers make sure that they and their children have access to instruments that will help them learn and thrive. We believe everyone deserves a music education, and want to make that a reality for as many people as possible, while setting them up for musical and personal success.
We are a small-but-mighty, purpose-driven team of 19 from all over the Miami Valley and Central Ohio.
Our Core Values aren't just cool sayings... we commit to LIVE them each and every day:
The Code
At Kincaid's Is Music, we live and breathe our core values. These values govern how we operate all areas of our business.
Keep It Simple
We Love Musicians & Music Educators
We Row Together
Know What Others Don't, Do What Others Won't
Make Our Own Decisions, Own Our Results
Proudly Overcommunicate
Why Kincaid's Is Music & Why Now?
  • Pivotal Time: We are in a pivotal and exciting time in our company. We are leaders in our industry and have a track record of working with the top experts and thought leaders in the music education space. We are growing our customer base and need the right person who is hungry and excited to grow and scale our company.
  • Committed To Your Growth: We are committed to our team members' growth as humans and in business so you develop into the best version of yourself.
  • 'A' Players: Our team members enjoy working here. We have a team of high-performers who are committed to excellence while having fun doing it!
  • Leaders In Industry: Our company is seen among the leaders in our industry, regularly listed as one of the top 200 music retailers in the nation and the best in the Miami Valley.

Have further questions? Email us at info@kincaidsmusic.com. Apply Today!
Compensation: $17.00 - $25.00 per hour
Who Is Kincaid's Music?
Kincaid's is the premier community for student musicians, their parents, and music education professionals. It's a place where you can purchase your band & orchestra instruments and accessories, have your instrument repaired, as well as learn the tools and strategies to help musicians reach their full potential. With tens of thousands of customers in Ohio and around the United States, we've become one of the most trusted voices in school music and music education.
What We DoWe take the difficulty out of obtaining an instrument for your child and make it easy to obtain the necessary accessories to keep it playing great. We make an instrumental music education accessible to EVERY CHILD As experts in music education, we can help guide student musicians, as well as their parents and music educators.
Why We Do ItWe're on a mission to increase the number of children we help begin and advance in instrumental music by 50% in the next five years. Why? Because we believe in the power that music has to change the life of a child - just like yours - for the better. We do it because of parents like you who want to set your children up for success in every area of life. And we do it for the educators who work hard every day to make music a reality in our schools and communities.
We Believe
...music is a movement - every child should have the opportunity to learn.
...anyone can learn music (even those who say they can't carry a tune in a bucket).
...music is unlike most other skills in that it can be enjoyed for a lifetime.
...the top three factors for becoming a strong instrumental musician are great educators, supportive parents/guardians, and the intrinsic desire of the student to learn.
...companies who prioritize making a buck over helping children succeed in music don't deserve to succeed, themselves.
...laughter is the best medicine, though it's in a tie for "best" with music.
...in finding the win/win in every situation - our customers don't have to lose so we can win, nor do we have to win at the expense of our customers.
...no one has all the answers.
...in knowing what others don't and doing what others won't.
...we can help school bands and orchestras grow and succeed.
...everyone should learn something new every day.
We believe in the extraordinary power of music!

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