- Salary statistics
- Guitar technician
Guitar technician
30 400 - 30 900 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Guitar technician
What does a guitar technician do? – Tasks and work environment
A guitar technician is responsible for adjusting, maintaining, and repairing guitars and other stringed instruments. Tasks include changing strings, adjusting necks and bridges, repairing electronics, and performing more advanced repairs on the instrument's wood and metal components. Work often takes place in music stores, workshops, or directly on tours where the technician assists musicians before, during, and after concerts. The work environment can range from calm workshop settings to intense concert situations, where flexibility and problem-solving skills are essential.
Salary development over time
The salary for guitar technicians has shown some variation over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,382 SEK per month. In 2023, the average increased slightly to 34 662 SEK, representing an increase of about 0.8 %. However, in 2024, the average salary decreased to 30 900 SEK per month, a reduction of approximately 10.9 % from the previous year. This decline can partly be explained by changes in demand, competition from other professions in musical instrument servicing, and seasonal or project-based employment. The profession includes both permanent and temporary assignments, which can influence the average salary from year to year.
Guitar technician salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly rate: 186 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: No specific salary data available
- Regional differences: No detailed statistics available
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a guitar technician often involves practical experience, craft training, or specialized courses in musical instrument technology. Formal education is rarely a requirement, but knowledge of woodworking, electronics, and music theory is a clear advantage. Many guitar technicians build their skills through apprenticeships, internships, or self-study, and continue to update their knowledge to stay current with new techniques and materials.
- Vocational training: For example, musical instrument maker, 1–3 years
- Short courses/certifications: Instrument technology, electronics
- Internships/apprenticeships: Common and highly valuable
- Prerequisites: Interest in music, craftsmanship, and problem-solving
- Self-study/online learning: Many acquire knowledge through online courses and forums
Many guitar technicians have the opportunity to work directly with artists and tours, providing a unique insight into the music industry and opportunities for international assignments. The profession often requires flexibility and the ability to solve unexpected problems quickly, especially during live performances.
Common benefits and compensations
Guitar technicians are often offered benefits such as access to work tools, opportunities for further training, and discounts on musical equipment. When employed by larger companies or on tours, per diems, travel allowances, and sometimes bonuses may also be provided. The freedom to work on personal projects or freelance assignments is common in the profession.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the profession is relatively high due to the limited number of full-time positions, with many working as freelancers or sole proprietors. Technological developments and digitalization have changed the demand for certain services, requiring continuous skill development. Building a strong network within the music industry to access more attractive assignments is also a challenge. Seasonal workload fluctuations, especially around tours and festivals, affect both the workload and income. The ability to be flexible and adapt quickly to new situations is crucial for long-term success.
Tips for aspiring guitar technicians
To succeed as a guitar technician, it’s important to combine a strong interest in music with technical craftsmanship. Precision is critical during adjustments and repairs to ensure the instruments meet high standards. Being social and attentive facilitates collaboration with musicians and colleagues, especially under pressure during concerts or tours. Building a network within the music industry early on and taking the initiative to pursue internships or volunteer work provides valuable insights into the profession. Curiosity and a willingness to learn new techniques are key, as instruments and methods evolve rapidly. Self-discipline and the ability to work independently are beneficial, especially for freelance or self-employed work. Patience and resilience are also necessary, as it takes time to build experience and a good reputation in the industry.
Key facts about guitar technicians
- Education level: Vocational training or practical experience most common
- Work environment: Workshop, music store, or tour
- Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
- Demand: 341 job openings within the profession (2024)
- Special skills: Instrument technology, electronics, woodworking
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a guitar technician can advance to more specialized roles, such as lead repair technician or technical manager for larger tours and festivals. Some choose to start their own workshop or further educate themselves as instrument makers in other fields. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates stable demand, but competition for permanent positions remains high. The profession offers good opportunities for international assignments and networking, which can lead to advancement into more technical or pedagogical roles within the music industry.
Common questions about guitar technicians
- What does a guitar technician earn?
- The average salary is 30 900 SEK per month, with an hourly rate of 186 SEK. - What education is required to become a guitar technician?
- Vocational training in musical instrument technology or equivalent practical experience is recommended. - What is the job market like for guitar technicians?
- There are 341 job openings within the profession, but competition for permanent positions is high. - What work environments are common for guitar technicians?
- Common work environments include workshops, music stores, and tours with artists. - What personal qualities are important in this profession?
- Precision, problem-solving skills, and social competence are especially valuable. - Are there regional salary differences?
- No detailed statistics on regional differences are currently available. - Can you work internationally as a guitar technician?
- Yes, many have the opportunity to work on international tours and events.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 30900 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Guitar technician has the SSYK code 7319, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
-
Builder Wanted for Growing Company
Musical instrument makers and other artisans
Thu, 4 Sep 2025 - 06:25 -
Job Advertisement: Wrap Specialist Wanted
Musical instrument makers and other artisans
Sat, 9 Aug 2025 - 14:10
-
Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35 -
The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00