Installer Pay ?

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Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=56708
Printed Date: May 13, 2025 at 3:23 PM

Topic: Installer Pay ?

Posted By: specialblendj
Subject: Installer Pay ?
Date Posted: May 30, 2005 at 10:20 PM

I currently work in the industry and am hoping to get an idea of how much an installer with my experience should get paid. I've been in the industry for two years now. My first year was at a large chain store, my second at a reputable custom shop. I install stereos, alarms, remote starts, amps, subs and all the basics. My experience in $50,000 + cars is limited, but I've worked on a couple. I'm comfortable with using relays and diodes. I've done some custom work, including building sub enclosures, amp racks, and trunk panels. I've done some video work but not that much. I am MECP basic installer certified. And I usually work 20-30 hours a week. I've been at my current shop for one year, and am wondering approximately how much I should be making. I do have my own tools, pretty much everything I need.

Replies:

Posted By: specialblendj
Date Posted: May 30, 2005 at 10:35 PM

I forgot to mention that I work in Northern California

Posted By: specialblendj
Date Posted: May 31, 2005 at 12:12 AM

Come on someone's gotta have a comment. I'm just looking for a rough #, from employers or employees.

Posted By: NowYaKnow
Date Posted: May 31, 2005 at 6:22 AM

Check out these threads on the same subject:

https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=34930&KW=installer+pay

https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=31239&KW=installer+pay

To sum them up it ranges quite a bit majority seem to be starting at between $7 - 10 an hour and the more experience guys getting anywhere from $10 - 20 an hour. (some with commission, some without) $700 - 1000 every 2 weeks seems to be about the norm. Aside from a few super installers who are doing very well or talking out their ass.

Mike

Posted By: KarTuneMan
Date Posted: May 31, 2005 at 9:50 AM

Aside from a few super installers who are doing very well or talking out their ass.

How TRUE this is........

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Posted By: thepencil
Date Posted: May 31, 2005 at 10:19 AM

You sould be satified and expect minimum wage and pay your dues. I have some experience taking apart a few cars here and there. I work 55-65 hours a week. After GST & PST & INCOME taxes. I am slightly above living on the street and proverty line with a minimum wage. Anyone have a job for me down south? I will pretty much work for free and willing to relocate.

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Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. posted_image

Posted By: zezebiah
Date Posted: May 31, 2005 at 8:22 PM

Where in Northern California?

Posted By: extreme1
Date Posted: June 02, 2005 at 12:08 AM

thepencil wrote:

You sould be satified and expect minimum wage and pay your dues. I have some experience taking apart a few cars here and there. I work 55-65 hours a week. After GST & PST & INCOME taxes. I am slightly above living on the street and proverty line with a minimum wage. Anyone have a job for me down south? I will pretty much work for free and willing to relocate.

What Province do you live in? I'll hire you for free in Alberta ;)

seriously, what is your experience as I will need a full time guy in sept.

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Shaughn Murley
Install Manager, Dealer Services
Visions Electronics
Red Deer, Alberta

Posted By: thepencil
Date Posted: June 03, 2005 at 10:42 AM

I am in Ontario, Toronto. Any chance there is a bit of pocket change for moving expenses. As for experience, I have taken out a few bolts here and there, wire up a few head units, alarm and starter, put in one or two monitors and that’s about it. I am really inexpensive to have around. I don't think my boss will let me leave anytime soon. He was pretty impress with the approach of my resume. I thought it’s important that I share this tip with the younger installer who is serious about this business and in desperate need of a job. A piece of paper will not do in this business unless you are applying to a box store. Showing your work on your own car will not do either. It does not mean you will do the same on a customers car. In Greek tragedy there are an on going theme though out the play of each character. CHARACTER IS DESTINY. I will leave this piece to thought and to interpretation.

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Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. posted_image