Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program develop advanced technical expertise in the construction, restoration, and maintenance of both acoustic and electric musical instruments. The curriculum emphasizes precision craftsmanship, diagnostic problem-solving, and hands-on proficiency across a range of instrument types and technologies.
- Instrument Construction Techniques: Learn traditional and modern methods for building string, wind, percussion, and keyboard instruments using wood, metal, and composite materials, with attention to structural integrity and tonal quality.
- Electroacoustic Systems Integration: Study the design, installation, and troubleshooting of electronic components such as pickups, preamps, and signal routing systems used in electric guitars, basses, and hybrid instruments.
- Acoustic and Electronic Tuning Protocols: Master both mechanical and digital tuning systems, including pitch calibration, intonation adjustment, and the use of electronic tuning devices for optimal sound accuracy across instrument families.
- Maintenance and Restoration Practices: Gain expertise in diagnosing wear, damage, and performance issues, with training in cleaning, refinishing, structural repair, and the preservation of vintage or historically significant instruments.
- Tool and Equipment Proficiency: Become adept with specialized hand tools, power equipment, and diagnostic instruments used in fabrication, modification, and quality control within professional instrument-making environments.
Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair degrees, including Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 5,730 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners 49-9063 | $45,320 | $30,130 - $73,430 | 5,730 | $21.79 |
Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $25,420 in Georgia to $66,460 in Nevada—a 161% difference. The highest-paying states include Nevada, Massachusetts, and Oregon. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 5,730 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair is found at Minnesota State College Southeast (52 graduates), Musicians Institute (MI) (42 graduates), Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery (37 graduates), North Bennet Street School (NBSS) (25 graduates), and Renton Technical College (RTC) (22 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 190 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota State College Southeast |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
52 | Winona, Minnesota | Public | southeastmn.edu |
| Musicians Institute (MI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
42 | Hollywood, California | Private | mi.edu |
| Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery |
Other Award
|
37 | Phoenix, Arizona | Private | roberto-venn.com |
| North Bennet Street School (NBSS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
25 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | nbss.edu |
| Renton Technical College (RTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
22 | Renton, Washington | Public | rtc.edu |
| Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) |
Associate's
|
8 | Sioux City, Iowa | Public | witcc.edu |
| De Anza College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
2 | Cupertino, California | Public | deanza.edu |
| Palomar College |
Other Award
|
2 | San Marcos, California | Public | www2.palomar.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair programs
How much can I earn with a Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair degree?
Salaries for Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair graduates vary by role and location. Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners earn a median of $45,320 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Nevada average $66,460 compared to $25,420 in Georgia. Approximately 5,730 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Minnesota State College Southeast (52 graduates), Musicians Institute (MI) (42 graduates), and Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery (37 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 174 in 2010 to 190 in 2023-24. This represents a 9% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners. Related occupations employ approximately 5,730 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Mechanics Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Mechanics field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Bicycle Mechanics and Repair Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain bicycles and other human-powered vehicles. Includes instruction...
Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain motorcycles and other similar powered vehicles. Includes...
Medium and Heavy Vehicle Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the specialized maintenance and repair of trucks, buses, and other commercial...
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the maintenance of alternative fuel vehicles and the conversion of standard...
Engine Machinist
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the building and reconstruction of automotive and commercial vehicle engines. Includes...
Marine Maintenance and Ship Repair Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair outboard and inboard engines; test, maintain, and repair steering devices...