| There are far more opportunities for the luthier who performs repairs than for one who strictly builds for a living. A repair tech can work for a music store on staff or as an independent business subcontracting work from several or many stores. A repair tech can go on the road supporting touring acts. There is museum conservation work. In addition, those who repair tend to be excellent builders.
Establishing yourself as a builder is a lot easier than it used to be. Time was that the budding luthier had to bang on doors and put his wares in stores on consignment. Today the internet simplifies all of this. But this ease cuts both ways. The instruments being offered must be of the highest quality to make it. It will take a few years to build up a reputation that will allow you to work full time in your chosen craft.
As far as making a living goes, you will be offering your services to musicians. As a group, musicians are not known for having an abundance of money at their disposal. If riches are your aim, you would be better advised to seek a market where the people have more discretionary income.
There are other rewards, however, and they can be great. It is a great feeling to rework an unplayable instrument so that it can be used again. Doing restoration work on vintage instruments can be very rewarding. Even adjusting an entry level guitar so some kid has a chance at learning to play can be heartening.
Just don't figure on buying a Maserati with your earnings.
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Primum non nocere.
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Luthery 
