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Instrument Repair Degree

Author: ClariBone
Date: 2005-07-03 01:56

Hello

I have a few questions regarding Instrumental Repair Jobs. I am already familiar with NAPBIRT and was wondering how easy is it to get a job after attending one of the US repair schools (Red Wing, Western Iowa, and Renton)?? Would it be better to get the Associate Degree or stick with the Diploma (as offered by Red Wing)?? Considering time commitment, would it be possible to work as a repair technician and perform in groups or continue education?? Also, what is the average starting wages for a repair tech?? Thanks in Advance for your Time and Thoughts!!

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Re: Instrument Repair Degree

Author: jbutler ★2017
Date: 2005-07-03 02:50

All three of the institutions you mention have good reputations. I did not go to a trade school, but rather apprenticed under a master technician. I think I probably learned a lot more the way I did it, but there aren't too many opportunities for apprenticeship anymore. I believe Badger State Repair still offers and apprenticeship program (Eddie Strege, or "Fast Eddie"). Personally, I don't think that there would be too much difference between the "degree" and a "diploma". Both signify accomplishment to me. However, two years in the repair field is just a "start". Repair, like any profession, is a constant learning process. I learn something every day even if it is just trivial.

Yes, you would have time to perform as well. Most shops either pay by commission or salary. All the shops I worked for were strictly commisison, but I think there is a trend for shops to offer salaried positions these days. The benefits are a lot better. There weren't any when I started. The summertime is the busiest time for most shops since that's when they get the school instruments in for repair. Commission shop employees make good money, along with long days, in the summer and have to learn to put some in savings for the slack time, usually from October thru May.

I can't offer you any estimates on how much you would make. It would depend on your expertise and the wages in the area in which you work. I know one tech in this area that is also a shop manager that makes about 80K a year, but I also know quite a few others that make half that.

I suggest that you talk with some local techs. I'm sure that they would be willing to answer some, if not all of your questions.

jbutler

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