Being an auto locksmith can be a very rewarding career. Whether you’re someone who’s considering the profession or your just curious about the financial potential, it’s important to understand the multiple factors that influence an auto locksmith’s income. Auto locksmiths cover a wide range of vehicle services from lockouts to key fob programming and more advanced diagnostics. Auto locksmiths are generally in high demand due to the vast number of vehicles on our roads today. But how much can they earn per year? In this post, we’ll dive into the earning potential for auto locksmiths in the UK and speak to an industry expert to help us gain a better understanding.
Average Salary of an Auto Locksmith
An auto locksmiths earnings can vary quite a lot, influenced by things such as, experience, location, and the number of services they offer. On average, auto locksmiths in the UK usually earn somewhere between £25,000 and £35,000 annually. However, this can increase substantially depending on a variety of factors.
- Beginner or employed auto locksmiths typically earn on the lower end of the scale, between £18,000 to £22,000 annually. This is usually people just starting out in the industry, working for a more experienced locksmith or as part of a team doing basic vehicle opening.
- Self-employed auto locksmiths who have gained experience and established themselves can expect to earn £25,000 to £35,000. Many auto locksmiths in this bracket have developed a loyal client base and offer a broader range of services, from basic vehicle lock opening to cutting and coding keys.
- Experienced and well-established auto locksmiths, especially those who own their own businesses or work in areas with higher demand, can make £50,000 to £80,000+ annually. The earnings are heavily influenced by the number of emergency calls, out of hours work, and the range of makes and model they are able to work on.
Factors That Affect an Auto Locksmith’s Earnings
There are several factors that influence how much an auto locksmith can earn:
Experience and Reputation
As with nearly all professions, experience plays a vital role in determining earnings. The more experienced and skilled an auto locksmith is, the more they can charge for their services. Over time, an auto locksmith can build a reputation that can result in a steady stream of regular clients, such as car dealers and rental companies, which can increase earnings drastically.
Location
Earnings can vary significantly depending on which area of the country the locksmith is based. For example, locksmiths working in bigger cities like London or Manchester can earn more due to being more heavily populated leading to greater demand. Auto locksmiths in rural areas or smaller towns may have less competition, but the demand for their services will probably be lower, affecting their earnings potential.
Emergency Callouts and Out of Hours Work
Emergency lockouts, especially those that are outside of regular working hours, can result in higher earnings as the prices charged will be increased. Auto locksmiths who offer 24/7 services often charge a premium for late night or weekend callouts. For example, emergency call outs in the middle of the night can demand an additional fee, allowing auto locksmiths to earn more from doing the same work in normal working hours.
Specialisation
Auto locksmiths who specialise in more advanced services such as programming transponder keys or diagnosing and repairing complex key software issues can charge more for their services. The demand for these specialist skills has grown with the increasing complexity of modern car keys and security systems.
Interview with Marc from MJS Locksmiths
We spoke to Marc from MJS Locksmiths, a well-established auto locksmith who covers the North East of England. Marc has been offering auto locksmith services for over 20 years and has a huge wealth of experience when it comes to understanding the real world earning potential.
“Over the years, I’ve seen the industry evolve,” says Marc. “When I first started, the focus was on traditional mechanical lock and key work. Now, with the rise of transponder keys and keyless entry systems, the services I offer have become more specialised, which has allowed me to charge higher rates for more complex jobs that not everybody has the skills or equipment to do.”
Marc emphasises the importance of building a strong reputation. “If you can build trust with your customers, they’ll call you every time they have a problem. Word of mouth referrals and regular customers are key in this business,” he says.
Marc also mentions that the ability to offer his services 24/7 is a significant factor in his income. “Late-night calls and weekend jobs really boost my earnings. You’re paid a premium for your time outside of normal working hours.
Is Being an Auto Locksmith Profitable?
The answer depends on your location, experience, and how much effort you put into growing your business. For self-employed auto locksmiths, the potential earnings can be quite substantial, especially if you have the knowledge, skills and equipment to work on a wide variety of vehicle makes and models. On the other hand, those just starting out or working for a company may need to focus on building skills and knowledge before seeing significant earning potential further down the line.
In conclusion, an auto locksmith can earn a very good income, with the potential for growth as they gain experience and develop their business. As Marc from MJS Locksmiths suggests, reputation, specialised services, and a strong work ethic are crucial for increasing earnings. While the average salary for an auto locksmith in the UK ranges from £25,000 to £35,000, those who operate their own business or specialise in niche services can earn £80,000+.
