Music Industry Careers: Jobs in Music Products Manufacturing

Music Industry Careers: Jobs in Music Products Manufacturing | NAMM.org Skip to main content NAMM Home About Support Sign In Sign In The NAMM Show NAMM NeXT Member Services Policy Library News NAMM | 125 About Support Back Reserve a Booth Become a Sponsor Promote Your Brand Exhibitor Resources The 2026 NAMM Show Map Badge Registration Attend Exhibit Show Information Exhibitor Showcases The NAMM Show App Bands at NAMM NAMM Retail Awards Hotel Reservations NAMM Gives Back Back Learn More Become a Sponsor Back Believe in Music NAMM Russia The 2022 NAMM Show Back Learn More Become a Sponsor Back Explore News Playback Blog NAMM Show EPK News Releases Back Summer NAMM The NAMM Show NAMM Russia Back Summer NAMM Registration and Details Speakers Back The NAMM Show Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. 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Fly-In Tariff Updates Business Compliance Music Education Advocacy SupportMusic Coalition Workforce Development Back Artists and Music Business House of Worship Live Event Professionals Music Educators and Students Music Products Pro Audio & Live Sound Back Explore the Library Oral History Interviews Music History Project Podcast Careers In Music Videos Resource Center Blog Historic Timeline In Memoriam Music Industry Careers: Jobs in Music Products Manufacturing Share Post on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Share on LinkedIn By Eric Ebel | October 11, 2024 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 Responsibilitie s: 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* Want to Learn About Other Careers in the Music Industry? This article covered the roles that are responsible for the innovation and design of music products. But have you thought about jobs in music retail stores — where those products reach customers? How about jobs in professional audio recording and production? Keep exploring our Music Industry Careers series to learn more: Music Industry Careers: Jobs in Pro Audio Music Industry Careers: Jobs in Music Retail Stores Music Industry Careers: Jobs in the Live Music Events Industry Music Industry Careers: Music Equipment Rental and Production Jobs * 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 program manager at NAMM in the Member Services Department. He manages programs, including Consider a Career in Music, music educator and student professional development programming at the international NAMM Show. 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. NAMM Association About Antitrust Compliance Library Member Services News Policy Support Terms and Policies Shows & Events The NAMM Show NAMM Next Other NAMM Sites NAMM Foundation NAMM Museum of Making Music TEC Awards The NAMM Store Sign In NAMM Headquarters 5790 Armada Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 760.438.8001 info@namm.org Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube TikTok