Musical instrument repairers and tuners
SOC Code: 49-9063
Musical instrument repairers and tuners carries a 20% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $45,320 and +1.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 6,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Musical instrument repairers and tuners (SOC 49-9063) carries an AI exposure score of 20%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 6,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.4% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $45,320, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Musical instrument repairers and tuners. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Align pads and keys on reed or wind instruments.
- 2. Adjust string tensions to tune instruments, using hand tools and electronic tuning devices.
- 3. Solder posts and parts to hold them in their proper places.
- 4. Compare instrument pitches with tuning tool pitches to tune instruments.
- 5. Play instruments to evaluate their sound quality and to locate any defects.
- 6. Disassemble instruments and parts for repair and adjustment.
- 7. Repair or replace musical instrument parts and components, such as strings, bridges, felts, and keys, using hand and power tools.
- 8. Reassemble instruments following repair, using hand tools and power tools and glue, hair, yarn, resin, or clamps, and lubricate instruments as necessary.
- 9. Remove dents and burrs from metal instruments, using mallets and burnishing tools.
- 10. Inspect instruments to locate defects, and to determine their value or the level of restoration required.
Key Skills Required
- Quality Control Analysis
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Critical Thinking
- Service Orientation
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- Fine Arts
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Sales and Marketing
- Engineering and Technology
- Physics
- Education and Training
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Musical instrument repairers and tuners?
Musical instrument repairers and tuners has an AI exposure score of 20%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Musical instrument repairers and tuners?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Musical instrument repairers and tuners is projected to grow by 1.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 6,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Musical instrument repairers and tuners?
Key skills for Musical instrument repairers and tuners include Quality Control Analysis, Troubleshooting, Repairing, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Musical instrument repairers and tuners earn?
The median annual wage for Musical instrument repairers and tuners is $45,320, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Musical instrument repairers and tuners?
The typical entry-level education for Musical instrument repairers and tuners is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Apprenticeship. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Musical instrument repairers and tuners?
Musical instrument repairers and tuners roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).