Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners
Musical instrument repairers and tuners restore and maintain percussion, stringed, reed, and wind instruments. They work in repair shops, music stores, schools, orchestras, and concert halls, diagnosing problems and performing repairs ranging from minor adjustments to major restoration work. Some specialists focus on a single instrument type, such as pianos.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against musical instrument repairers and tuners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves examining damaged or worn instruments, replacing broken strings or pads, adjusting mechanisms, and tuning instruments to proper pitch. A repairer might spend morning hours at a bench working on a violin's bridge, then travel to a school to service band instruments, and finish the day tuning a piano in a client's home. Work includes following repair procedures, using specialized tools, and documenting completed jobs.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCA. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
People who thrive in this work tend to be detail-oriented with strong mechanical aptitude and steady hands. You likely enjoy solving tangible problems, prefer working with concrete tasks and established procedures, and take satisfaction in restoring instruments to working order.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $36,800 | $59,570 | $62,670 | 210 |
| New Jersey | $51,060 | $58,730 | $62,820 | 200 |
| Tennessee | $38,610 | $58,730 | $68,100 | 300 |
| Maryland | $46,670 | $55,130 | $59,900 | 160 |
| Oregon | $39,120 | $54,800 | $63,360 | 40 |
| New York | $41,550 | $53,420 | $60,930 | 270 |
| Connecticut | $36,650 | $52,940 | $54,430 | 40 |
| Utah | $39,020 | $50,180 | $53,620 | 60 |
| Illinois | $37,610 | $49,250 | $78,870 | 200 |
| Maine | $40,400 | $48,530 | $57,670 | 90 |
| Texas | $38,350 | $48,250 | $61,670 | 580 |
| California | $44,360 | $47,580 | $57,400 | 520 |
All 34 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Registered Piano Technician (RPT) — Piano Technicians Guild
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against musical instrument repairers and tuners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 49-9063.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.