Music Industry Careers: Jobs in Music Products Manufacturing
Music products manufacturing is an exciting and ever-evolving music industry segment that combines centuries-old traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge materials and technology to create an array of musical instruments and accessories.
Instrument makers design, build and market the tools that inspire musicians worldwide. With advancements in materials, manufacturing techniques and automation, the future of instrument production is bright and dynamic, offering new and diverse career opportunities. The possibilities are endless, offering a platform for personal growth and purpose, whether you're drawn to imagine, create or promote musical instruments.
Here are just a few examples of sustainable career opportunities in music products manufacturing.
ENGINEERING & DESIGN
Research and Development (R&D) Engineer
Responsibilities: Conducts research on new materials and technologies, develops prototypes and works together with designers and manufacturers to innovate instrument production.
Key Skills: Strong research and analytical skills, creativity, engineering background and knowledge of the latest industry trends
Average Annual Salary Range: $75,000–$120,000*
Product Development Engineer
Responsibilities: Leads the development of new products, from concept to production, works with design, engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure products meet quality and cost targets.
Key Skills: Engineering background, strong project management skills, creativity and experience in product development
Average Annual Salary Range: $65,000–$100,000*
Instrument Designer
Responsibilities: Develops new instrument models, collaborates with engineers and musicians to optimize design, and stays updated on trends and innovations in the music industry.
Key Skills: Strong understanding of acoustics and instrument mechanics, creativity, proficiency in CAD software and problem-solving abilities
Average Annual Salary Range: $50,000–$93,000*
Acoustic Engineer
Responsibilities: Designs and improves the acoustic properties of musical instruments, works closely with designers and manufacturers to optimize sound quality and tests prototypes.
Key Skills: In-depth knowledge of acoustics, experience in sound engineering and problem-solving skills
Average Annual Salary Range: $63,000–$100,000*
Electrical Engineer
Responsibilities: Designs and tests electronic components for instruments, ensures integration with digital interfaces and collaborates with product development teams.
Key Skills: Electrical engineering background, proficiency in circuit design, problem-solving abilities and familiarity with embedded systems.
Average Annual Salary Range: $65,000–$105,000*
Manufacturing Engineer
Responsibilities: Oversees the production process, implements and optimizes manufacturing techniques to ensure efficiency and quality control in instrument production.
Key Skills: Engineering background, knowledge of manufacturing processes, problem-solving skills and familiarity with CNC machining and automation
Average Annual Salary Range: $58,000–$100,000*
Software Engineer
Responsibilities: Develops and integrates software for electronic instruments, ensures smooth operation of embedded systems and collaborates with hardware engineers.
Key Skills: Proficiency in programming languages, problem-solving skills and knowledge of software development life cycles
Average Annual Salary Range: $70,000–$120,000*
PRODUCTION
Systems Engineer
Responsibilities: Integrates various subsystems in instrument production, ensures production system compatibility and functionality and collaborates with cross-functional teams to optimize output.
Key Skills: Systems engineering experience, strong organizational and problem-solving skills and knowledge of manufacturing processes
Average Annual Salary Range: $75,000–$110,000*
Machinist
Responsibilities: Operates and maintains machines used in the production of instrument components, ensures precision and accuracy in machining and performs routine maintenance.
Key Skills: Proficiency in operating CNC machines, understanding of machining techniques, attention to detail and mechanical aptitude
Average Annual Salary Range: $35,000–$63,000*
Luthier
Responsibilities: Designs and builds stringed instruments, selects materials, applies finishes and meets quality craftsmanship standards.
Key Skills: Woodworking expertise, knowledge of instrument construction and acoustic design
Average Annual Salary Range: $45,000–$85,000*
Craftsman/Assembler
Responsibilities: Handcrafts and assembles various parts of musical instruments, ensures high-quality finishes and collaborates with other artisans in the production process.
Key Skills: Expertise in woodworking or metalworking, craftsmanship knowledge of musical instrument components
Average Annual Salary Range: $35,000–$60,000*
Finisher/Polisher
Responsibilities: Applies finishes and coatings to instruments, ensures consistency and quality in the final appearance and collaborates with design and production teams.
Key Skills: Expertise with finishing techniques and experience with painting or staining
Average Annual Salary Range: $34,000–$58,000*
Tool and Die Maker
Responsibilities: Designs, builds and maintains tools and dies used in instrument manufacturing, ensures precision and durability and collaborates with engineers.
Key Skills: Proficiency in tool and die making, understanding of machining processes and mechanical aptitude
Average Annual Salary Range: $45,000–$80,000*
Injection Molding Operator
Responsibilities: Operates and maintains injection molding machines used to produce plastic components for instruments, ensures quality control and performs routine maintenance.
Key Skills: Experience with injection molding processes, mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
Average Annual Salary Range: $32,000–$59,000*
Packaging Operator
Responsibilities: Packages finished instruments to ensure protection during shipping, maintains inventory of packaging materials, and works closely with shipping departments.
Key Skills: Organizational skills, ability to work efficiently, and knowledge of packaging techniques and shipping requirements
Average Annual Salary Range: $30,000–$49,000*
Inventory Control Specialist
Responsibilities: Manages material inventory levels, tracks material usage, ensures accurate stock records and coordinates with procurement and production teams to maintain required inventory levels.
Key Skills: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, proficiency in inventory management software and analytical abilities
Average Annual Salary Range: $45,000–$78,000*
Production Manager
Responsibilities: Manages the day-to-day operations of the manufacturing process, coordinates with different departments, ensures production goals are met and oversees quality control.
Key Skills: Leadership, strong organizational skills, knowledge of manufacturing processes, and problem-solving abilities
Average Annual Salary Range: $65,000–$113,000*
Quality Control Specialist
Responsibilities: Inspects and tests products throughout the manufacturing process, identifies defects, ensures products meet company standards and recommends improvements as needed.
Key Skills: Attention to detail, knowledge of quality control processes, problem-solving abilities and familiarity with inspection tools
Average Annual Salary Range: $48,000–$79,000*
SALES, MARKETING & ADMINISTRATION
Materials Procurement Manager
Responsibilities: Oversees the sourcing and purchasing of materials for production, negotiates contracts with suppliers and ensures a steady supply of high-quality materials while maintaining cost efficiency.
Key Skills: Strong negotiation and communication skills, knowledge of supply chain management and experience in procurement
Average Annual Salary Range: $70,000–$110,000*
Logistics Coordinator
Responsibilities: Manages the transportation and distribution of products, coordinates with shipping carriers and ensures timely delivery to customers and retailers.
Key Skills: Strong organizational skills, knowledge of logistics and supply chain management and experience with shipping software
Average Annual Salary Range: $45,000–$75,000*
Training Coordinator
Responsibilities: Designs, develops and conducts training programs for manufacturing employees on equipment operation, safety procedures and quality standards. Evaluates the effectiveness of training sessions and updates materials as necessary.
Key Skills: Experience in instructional design, strong communication skills, and knowledge of training protocols, manufacturing processes and safety regulations
Average Annual Salary Range: $55,000–$84,000*
Public Relations Manager
Responsibilities: Manages the company's public image, develops PR strategies, writes press releases and coordinates with media outlets to promote the company.
Key Skills: Strong communication and writing skills, experience in public relations and knowledge of the music manufacturing industry.
Average Annual Salary Range: $65,000–$110,000*
Marketing Manager
Responsibilities: Develops and implements marketing strategies, manages advertising campaigns, collaborates with sales teams to drive brand awareness and oversees social media and online presence.
Key Skills: Marketing experience, creativity, strong communication skills and knowledge of digital marketing tools
Average Annual Salary Range: $62,000–$115,000*
Graphic Designer/Art Director
Responsibilities: Creates visual content for marketing campaigns, designs packaging and promotional materials and ensures brand consistency across all media. Leads the creative team and manages multiple design projects.
Key Skills: Proficiency in design software, creativity, strong visual and written communication skills and experience in art direction
Average Annual Salary Range: $53,000–$95,000*
Sales Representative
Responsibilities: Promotes and sells instruments to retailers, schools and individual customers, builds relationships with clients and meets sales targets.
Key Skills: Sales experience, strong communication and negotiation skills, product knowledge and customer relationship management
Average Annual Salary Range: $40,000–$85,000* (plus commission)
Customer Service Representative
Responsibilities: Provides support to customers, addresses inquiries and concerns, processes orders and ensures customer satisfaction.
Key Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities and experience in customer service.
Average Annual Salary Range: $30,000–$65,000*
Technical Support Specialist
Responsibilities: Provides technical assistance to customers and internal teams, troubleshoots product issues and ensures customer satisfaction through effective problem resolution.
Key Skills: Strong technical knowledge of instruments, problem-solving abilities, communication skills and customer service experience
Average Annual Salary Range: $45,000–$75,000*
Accountant/Financial Analyst
Responsibilities: Manages financial records, prepares financial statements, analyzes financial data and provides insights for decision-making. Ensures compliance with accounting standards and state, federal and international regulations.
Key Skills: Accounting or finance background, proficiency in financial software, strong analytical skills and attention to detail
Average Annual Salary Range: $65,000–$110,000*
Human Resources Manager
Responsibilities: Manages HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration and compliance with labor laws. Develops and implements HR policies and programs
Key Skills: Strong leadership and communication skills, in-depth knowledge of HR practices and labor laws and experience in human resources management
Average Annual Salary Range: $70,000–$110,000*
IT (Information Technology) Specialist
Responsibilities: Manages the company's IT infrastructure, supports hardware and software systems, ensures data security and troubleshoots technical issues
Key Skills: Strong IT skills, knowledge of network administration, experience with cybersecurity and problem-solving abilities
Average Annual Salary Range: $55,000–$95,000*
Environmental Compliance Officer
Responsibilities: Ensures the company complies with environmental regulations, conducts audits and develops programs to reduce environmental impact.
Key Skills: Knowledge of environmental laws and regulations, strong organizational skills, and experience in compliance or environmental management
Average Annual Salary Range: $60,000–$105,000*
Health and Safety Manager
Responsibilities: Develops and implements health and safety policies, conducts risk assessments, ensures workplace safety and provides training to employees.
Key Skills: In-depth knowledge of health and safety regulations, strong leadership and communication skills and experience in safety management
Average Annual Salary Range: $65,000–$105,000*
Check Out the Careers in Music Series on Playback Blog
Music Industry Careers: Jobs in Music Retail Stores
*Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, PayScale, Music Trades, Indeed, LinkedIn and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
Average annual salary ranges are accurate as of October 2024. Salaries vary and may be higher according to demand, cost of living and specialized skills.
About the Author
Eric Ebel is senior project manager at NAMM for The NAMM Foundation. He manages market development and NAMM Foundation programs, including Consider a Career in Music, music educator and advocacy programming. He joined NAMM in 1997 and has held various roles, including show manager and senior trade show sales associate. With over 40 years in the music industry, Ebel has been a U.S. Marine Corps musician, product specialist, touring musician and faculty member at Musician’s Institute. He also performs regularly in Southern California.