Looking for a job

[AMSEC]

Hey guys. I've been a locksmith for about 4yrs now and have outgrown the small town I live in and am wanting to take what I know to the big city, well big compared to where I am now. I'm just not sure what I can reasonably expect to earn as a wage. Right now I make $12.00 an hour and am the only employee for the only locksmith in a town of about 15k people. There is another locksmith shop within 20miles of us, but he cant do high security work at all, nor transponders and not a lot of safe stuff. Basically he can't do what I can other than the commercial aspect of things. Some days I feel overpaid and other days I feel like I make peanuts lol... The main problem is I hate the town I live in and my job has absolutely no benefits. No vacation, no holiday pay, nothing. The only plus is the boss is generally not a prick. And thats a definite plus!

Anyway I realize that being in a small town we don't get the volume and exposure to a lot of stuff thats out there in the big city, so a lot of things would be completely new to me. The things I do in a common day are make keys by code, duplicate keys, generate keys from scratch without a code (whether by reading, impressioning or taking the lock apart), rekey locks, the main stuff a guy in a lock shop would do, my boss handles most of the calls but I have been out in the field quite a lot.

I can install deadbolts and knobs, leversets etc, the basic hardware. I have very little experience with commercial hardware beyond standard ADA leversets, I can usually figure out how to take stuff apart for rekeying like exit devices etc and minor troubleshooting, but as far as new installs go, I've never done it.

As far as automotive work goes, I can unlock anything other than some of the high security vehicles that you use the picks on, I just don't get to use them enough. I can generate keys for lost vehs, though I'm nowhere near fast in comparison to my boss. I can program transponder keys and remotes with the MVP or the TCODE, at least on most rigs. We're supposed to be able to do most of the VWs out there with what we have, but they give me fits. I usually have to call the boss for help on those, and I don't feel too bad usually because half the time they give him fits as well. For residential lockouts the only time I ever have an issue on non high security locks is with the schlage F series. I generally blow the cap off and repin the lock, but on the newer ones thats even difficult as of late. I've only ever picked 2 of these locks and it happened the same week. Chalk it up to dumb luck. I can pick the schlage secure key, but have to use tryout keys on the kwikset smart key system, Ive not yet been able to pick it and don't know anyone in our association who has. I can masterkey preset programs and even setup smaller ones.

I have next to no experience with electronic applications. I have a working knowledge of MUL-T-Lock and less of MEDECO for high security apps. Ive never seen ASSA stuff or the others. We just don't see that stuff out in the sticks.

Safe work is an area my boss solely handles. I have manipulated one or two sentrys, and changed combinations on a few S&G locks, but I have to have a book in front of me and take it step by step simply because he hogs all that work and seems reluctant to teach me beyond the little I do know. He is a very good safe tech. We do sell safes and deliver them, maybe about 6 a year on a good year. I've only ever done 1 over 700lbs by myself, usually we both do them and I'm just his second set of hands.

So basically, I manage the shop and have a great relationship with our customer base. I'm probably little more than a basic locksmith in a big city setting. So what do you think I could expect to make in a city of around 200k people? What should I ask for?

Also, if anyone has a template for a locksmith specific resume, I'd be grateful for a copy.


Anyway, thanks all.

[BbGenesis]

Sorry to be off topic but god I would kill to get that kind of experience. Where I'm at if I mention locksmithing I either get untrusting weird looks or laughs… An I'm in what I would call the big city haha the town I'm from only has 5424 people and I'm not sure we even have a locksmith in town, I think most people DIY it. But yeah I wish I could work with a locksmith and learn the trade, maybe then it wouldn't make my parents so unaccepting of my hobby

[bobhdus]

What State are you guys in? Basically, I use a Flat rate manual and based my hourly rate at $60 an hr. I already have a full time job as a Maintenance Mechanic and I do Lock work on the side (mostly referral or word of mouth). I don't advertise as I work plenty of OT with my current job, but I like to stay current in whats out there and it also helps pay for my tools (toys). Start with what you know, and while your out take notice of whats out there.
I wish I had your experience as well. Most of my experience is in "institutional/ Industrial" Facilities. We use BEST Locks and hundreds of different brands of office furniture locks. Also, we open employee vehicles. I have had a few opportunities to work on safes, for my company as well as for employees personal safes. I still have lots to learn and so I prefer non emergency service (don't we all) as I don't keep any stock. I buy supplies when I need them. If I were to start a real business on my own, I would want a partner or someone I could learn from.
Look in the phone book in the town that you are interested in moving to and call some of the local Locksmiths and see if any of them would be willing to supply you with product at a reduced price. You will be amazed at how open some of them are. They are not as threatened as they can still make money from you and you can also network with them. Maybe even subcontract to each other. I weld and machine also, which our locals guys don't so that makes me more valuable to them. Sometimes their websites show the average rates in that area or for what they charge for certain jobs. Regionally speaking, they usually all charge about the same as each other. Charge what you need to stay afloat. If it's too much, you will know real quick when you aren't getting any customers and also favors and discounts help the customer but hurt you. Everyone thinks their stuff should be opened or fixed as a nice gesture. Hope this helps.