posted
i was curious if i should go to school to be an installer, i want some good money, and i was curious what the average hourly pay was, or if i should just stick to accouting, im only a junior in high school, but i would like to be an installer if the pay is ok
------------------ Rockford Fosgate # Audiobahn # Power Acoustik # a little MTX thrown in there
Posts: 1121 | From: Brewer, Maine | Registered: Nov 1999
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posted
STICK TO ACCOUNTING!! Do the install thing as hobby. The best suggestion I can make if you can still do it, is take a BASIC Electronics 101 & 102. THEN you should take an install school if you want, or apprentice at a shop, while you learn the best way. Yes an install school is good, but the electronics part is paramount, and so is woodshop, carpentry, Workshop. But the Accounting will bring the money in on a regular basis at better pay (if your'e good at it).
------------------ E.C. Wuz here
Posts: 1057 | From: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 'eh | Registered: May 1999
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posted
I agree with Eli. When I was managing in St. Louis, I paid my installers squat. This was in the early '90s, but I think my top guy, who was REALLY good, and built a couple of finals cars was making like 20K a year. Unless you just love to do it because you love to do it, and dont mind making squat for a long long time, I'd stick with accounting. If there is even a question in your mind, its the wrong decision!
------------------ STILL waiting to hear a GOOD pair of HLCD's!!
If it dont fit, force it... if it breaks, it needed to be replaced anyway...
posted
I agree.. I go to a technical school and the electronics classes and tech math have helped me more than anything I have seen so far. Take these classes and it will make car audio so much easier. I plan to go to Mobile Dynamics or Installer Institute possibly this spring, between college semesters, but in the next year for sure. I am not going to bet the farm on installing, though. I am going to get at least my degree in Computer Technology and then decide what I want to do. I do hope to install professionally for a while at least, but It can be pretty tough to find a job where they treat you very well and you make decent money. Actually a friend and myself plan to open a shop in a 1-2 years, but if that doesen't work out, I will always be able to get a good job from the degree I am working on..So I suggest taking college classes that you can relate to car audio.
posted
Well from what I know about it. Do like the othe posters said. I know someone that complains about the pay but does it caues he likes it. He seems to be a very good installer and I probably make more then he does.
------------------ Looking to buy used Termpak and mics and sound card!! Robert (Rob) 1996 Chevy Cavlier 2.2L proaudio150@aol.com Member Of "Team Gates" and "Team Shockwave" USAC Sactioned Judge -----Judged----- 1999 Spring Break Nationals 1999 Midwest Regional http://www.sounddomain.com/5349 My up and coming SQ and SPL system.
posted
The other issue is how long you can do it for. As you age, you have a harder time making yourself into a pretzel to fit under dashes and into trunks. I don't suppose one could make more than a hobby out of it after the age of 40 or so. That's just a guess, but I'm 26 and already having problems fitting in some vehicles. I only do it as a hobby, and I prefer to keep it that way, much more fun! Also, there are so many good installers out there that it's unlikely that you will see any more that local fame. There are many easier ways to get famous.
------------------ inno73@hotmail.com
Posts: 490 | From: Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada | Registered: May 1999
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posted
I agree stay with the accounting thing ..but do get as much training on car audio installing as possible that way when your freinds need stuff done they will trust you to do it and you can make some good side money to help pay for that new amp or componets or sub you want. I belive Proaudio might have been refering to me about saying i keep installing for my love of the hobby ...and this is right it sure as hell wasnt for the pay . I just started a winter job that pays me almost as much as my last install job and i have no experiance in what im doing at my new job o wel when it warms bak up ill be back at the side jobs ..lol
------------------ "Team Underconstruction Member" "Team St.Louis SQ/SPL member" Usac Certified Judge Iasca Certified Judge 1ST place 1999 Usac Finals Outlaw "legal" 0-100 watts Pro 8 year Mecp Cert. Installer
posted
I second Inno's observation that your body will turn on you in your mid 20s and it begins to resist the pretzel twisting. At 6'1", 300, I had a hard enough time when I was younger, let alone now that I'm a geezer!
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And that's the bottom line, cuz: LORD DUKK SAYS SO!
The Big Show The Dukk says: Know your bass: PORT your damn box!! Have HoleSaw, Will Travel!
posted
I think you're right Eli. Not at 6'1" and 300!!!!!!!!!!
I was considering getting trained on Command Starts, but at 6'2.5" and 220, I don't fit well under many new vehicle dashes. Well, I fit, but I can't move my arms once I'm under!
Posts: 490 | From: Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada | Registered: May 1999
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posted
I know how that goes. I am 6'4, around 280 or so, and have a heck of a time trying to do installs in small cars and that type of thing.
Posts: 179 | From: Austin Minnesota (Spamtown usa) USA | Registered: Jun 1999
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posted
Well it's not desireable. I consider myself a small person in a big person's body, but that doesn't help me contort my body. You probably thought you were big before asking your question! Seriously, a small, flexible, but strong person would be ideal as an installer. Oh, and sinus problems are a BIG downfall. 'Course so are hangovers!
Posts: 490 | From: Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada | Registered: May 1999
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posted
FACT: Go into ANY store and see 2 employees; one is 6+ and at least 225 while the other is more modestly sized. GUARANTEED the big guy is the installer!
Be careful Eli.....
------------------
And that's the bottom line, cuz: LORD DUKK SAYS SO!
The Big Show The Dukk says: Know your bass: PORT your damn box!! Have HoleSaw, Will Travel!
posted
well, I'm one of those big installers too being 5'11" and 220. I'm on month 4 of a break from it and my installer is 5'5" and 125, perfect size.
------------------ Shaughn Murley Extreme Audio By Design TEAM HERTZ CANADA Western Regional Manager
Posts: 128 | From: Red Deer, AB, Canada | Registered: Nov 1999
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posted
'67 Camaro.........They don't have a trunk, do they? I thought it was a holder for your toothbrush and toothpaste for an overnight trip! I'd rather peel the sheetmetal off the outside of the trunk and do the install, then do all the body work to put it all back together. I just won't fit!
[This message has been edited by Inno (edited 12-12-1999).]
Posts: 490 | From: Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada | Registered: May 1999
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posted
Well, im 17. bout 5'9 150lbs I have to admit, all the twisting and turning and odd positions just to get into the dash is a bitch. But once im in the position, its comfortable. I plan on being an installer as a profession. Soon as i get outa highschool, im going to work at Ultimate Electronics. I might apply there sooner though, im getting sick of bagging groceries. I plan on spending a while there, just for the experience. THen im going to attend Mobile Dynamics and get my Master installer degree. Then hopefully open a shop up. I dont think i would be very happy doing anything else, seeing that i love working with my hands. (doh, im gona get slammed for saying that!) Im good at autobody, woodworking, and electronics. Everything that is vital to be an installer. I realize that pay is going to be ****ty, but i think i would rather get paid squat and love my job, than get paid alot and hate it.
------------------ 2 MTX Thunder 3000 12" Power Acoustik 500x2 130watts x 2 Can you say DISTORTION!?
posted
Ben i. Once I get ito a comfy awkeward position under the dash, the phone tends to ring, and I gotta answer the inevitable question on the other end...(y'all know it) "How much longer is it going to take?"
------------------ E.C. Wuz here
Posts: 1057 | From: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 'eh | Registered: May 1999
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On another note..... Does anyone have the class schedual for the Mobile Dynamics 2000 year? My dad has to go down to Tempe every year to get trained on the new waffer stepper that his company comes out with. Well, it just so happens that the office/training school is located off of Baseline road. Which is where MD is located! Dad said he would loan me money for school there, and i could stay with him in the hotel room, cuz his company pays for a 2 bed room anyway. What a deal!! Only drawback is that the class schedual for me and him have to be on the same dates. so i need the 6 week program starting date and ending date for all the 6 week programs of 2K. Thanks!
------------------ 2 MTX Thunder 3000 12" Power Acoustik 500x2 130watts x 2 Can you say DISTORTION!?
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