because they know the truth would come out; this allows them to keep pushing the narrative that people are lazy instead of rich people just keep screwing the working class
But they aren't "industry experts" just dumb grease monkeys. This really highlights one of the big reasons people don't want to be mechanics. You have to be smart, learn fast, have 50k in tools and work your butt off just to survive. Yet, it's thankless, low status, low pay, and dangerous.
Whats happening to auto techs is the same thing that happened to consumer electronic techs a few years back . Poor pay horrible cheap customers on goIng complex systems increasing cost of operating a bussiness to many local bottom feeders passing them selves of as leaders fining zoning regulating plus the global leaders have declared war on citizens mobility in most parts of the world
When I started in this industry in the 70's, mechanics made 50% commission. If the shop charged $30/hr, I made $15/hr. Now shops charge $160 to $180/hr, and top pay is approximately $35/hr. So, after 45 years learning to deal with all of the new systems that come out nearly yearly and many tens of thousands of my own dollars buying tools (every tech buys his own tools). My pay rate has dropped from 50% to around 15%. THAT, gentlemen, is why you have a technician shortage!
Keep voting Republican. The billionaire CEO's will be fair to you. You can't trust government. It will all trickle down someday. This is all because unions lost their power. Biden is trying to help.
I completely disagree with that statement. We're not talking about Building a house or operating a piece of equipment. In order to be successful in this industry you have to be capable of critical thinking. And critical thinking is not something that can be taught.
Not a single mechanic interviewed, just a “marketing researcher”, a “consumer behaviour analyst “ and a dealership owner. The opinion of the actual mechanic is as undervalued as their skill too.
As a former mechanic, who is ASE certified, I will tell you why I left the automotive industry: 1. Flag time, aka flat rate (i.e. paid for the job). The burden of the ebb and flow in the amount of cars in the shop should not be foisted upon the mechanics. There were many weeks where I worked for 40 hours, but I was only paid for 20. Flat rate also encourages mechanics to cut corners on repairs, just to save a little bit of time. 2. I had to pay for my own tools. Not only was I getting paid terribly, I had to purchase my own tools. I have at least $30k worth of tools. 3. The pay is not commensurate with the amount of knowledge a good mechanic needs to have. In my opinion, this is an engineer-level amount of knowledge. Electronic systems, hydraulic systems, air conditioning/heating systems, internal combustion theory, transmission systems, electric car theory, etc. The amount of knowledge is huge. 4. The benefits were TERRIBLE. Very little 401k match, vacation, bonuses, crappy insurance, etc. I was a smart mechanic (in my opinion), and I left the business to get a bachelor's and master's degree in science. Now I am a scientist/engineer, making the amount of money I should have made as a mechanic. The industry will continue to hemorrhage good employees until they fix the issues stated above. Edit: thanks guys for all the feedback, glad my post resonated with so many of you!
Don't forget you can get to the showroom and find a handful of guys making double that of a tech and know far less about the cars than a tech. Pay is way out of wack in the car biz. 🤦♂️
Yes same here minus the getting a masters and all that I became a truck driver and make way more money with way less work and little learning having to be done
Former GM World Class Certified Tech here. You hit the nail on the head. Now, I run my own one man transmission shop. I won't go back to the dealership until a lit of changes are made.
I've been a mechanic for 20+ years and I agree with All the this comments . Would've like to see the tech's point of view on this problem instead we get a couple of analysts that have never touched a wrench in their life .
They never want to show the tech's point of view, because then we'll get honest answers. It's always the "analysts" that want to lie and tell you what to think.
I think this is true in other industries, maybe all of them! Lots of people are talking ABOUT technicians, nobody wants to talk TO THEM! I've been noticing this in trade publications for decades. Wages are declining, we call it "Stagnation" !!! Frankly despite all the blab about STEM and RESHORING, we just have to admit that America (in general) hates technical workers, mechanics, laborers, and is very determined to not have staff or to pay them if you do! I tell students (speaking of their potential employers and how they see you) "We used to have slaves, we intend to have robots, but for now we have YOU".
literally any video made BY a auto tech says the same thing, flat rate made them leave, dogshit service managers made them leave, there’s tons of kids that love cars and community colleges run full classes for automotive because they do, those kids just make way more in construction, pipe work, aviation tech
You are absolutely correct! I left the auto tech industry in 2006. Why? Because I for tired of getting paid pennies once I calculated how much time I spent at the shop, and how much "free and almost free" stuff I had to do to just get a measly paycheck. Meanwhile I was working my butt off to get those pennies. Never again!
@@joseCalderon1976 2006 is when I left the industry also. Warranty work is BS and not even guaranteed 40 hrs. Don't forget waiting on part's. The tech made the least amount of money at the dealership upon tool bill's. Went to work with metal's and made 20k plus more a year without a tool bill. The bad was long day's as it was a large company with a lot of work.
I can answer that question easily, its because employers are expecting highly skilled and knowledgable people to accept being paid dirt cheap wages compared to the value they provide. That statement goes for just about every other industry right now as well.
The dealership will Milk them too by saying "be patient with us, give 2yrs changing oil, then 2yrs as an assistant then finally get sent out to get factory training. Freshly Graduted Tech: Know what, maybe I'll just drive trucks or become a cdl
True. They could of learned all of this if they actually cared to listen to their employees' complaints instead of writing them all off as "ungrateful" or "entitled".
Dropped out of auto tech classes when I found this out. I'm a Building Maintenance Technician now, only high-school required and I make $50k/yr, tools and uniform provided, 401k, dental and health, 3 weeks of vacation, weekends off and 6am-2:30pm Mon-Fri. There are better options unfortunately. I do love working on cars but there is no incentive to do it professionally.
I made a offer back in the 90s for just transmission repair. 1/2 the book labor rate or minimum wage for slow weeks(optional). The parts profit was the shops. Come backs was my pay for any problem. Or just go for 1099 employment. I knew how to take a transmission out and take it apart, clean it and put it back in and it would run right on the 1st try. Also had the tools. For RWD that is a 8 hour job. At today's rate that would be $70 and hour. FWD that is 16 hours. 4WD/AWD that is 20 hours. I went to a warehouse instead and worked there instead. Driving a fork lift. For more than what the shop offered. I moved back to Michigan from CA. One of my friends had a heart attack and I did his labor 5 hours a day and Saturday. Worked in another warehouse afternoons after that during week days. Until he got well enough. No pay. He had child support to pay off.
@@alexr62that’s why I went aircraft maintenance tech, pays higher, no flat rate BS, downside? Spent 4yr in the Air Force to gain experience and get my certificate because I can’t afford to go to school 😂
I’ve been turning wrenches for 25 years. You could’ve seen this coming from a mile away. Owners hiring business consultants that tell them the technicians need to have 100% productivity, while simultaneously keeping pay stagnant. You used to have techs helping each other, now they’re all competition. If you want to attract technicians, you got to pay more. How can you expect a mechanic to buy tens of thousands in tools, while barely making more than a fast food worker.
Crazy when I see my manager from Burger King more than I do as a technician meanwhile she been there for only 2 years and really does nothing all day except make sandwiches and bag food meanwhile I turn wrenches all day everyday for 10-11 hours a day getting in the most random position that are in no way good for the body and they want me to stay there and try to make it seem like the best thing in the world. 😐
It's crazy, isn't it? and yet they act like the pay vs knowledge required to diagnose and repair cars is acceptable and turn a blind eye to it all... For instance. This video. Plenty of technicians speaking up about the problem in the comments... but yet we got this manager in charge that seems to think he can hire anybody to be a service advisor and pay them better than the technicians that spent years honing their skill.
@@xae7816I know someone that works in a horse stable that makes more money than the average technician just mucking stalls and doing regular around the barn chores
15 years ago i was a auto tech, every year i saw the owner open a new dealership. After 6 years of working for the guy i asked for ONE raise and managers reply was 'its not in the budget' the next day i put in my resignation and when i was asked why my reply was 'its in the budget for the owner to keep opening more and more dealerships but there no room for a $1 dollar raise'. They tried there best to keep me but i left and it was the best thing i did. I'll never go back to dealerships or this trade, the owners are beyond greedy.
Way back in the late 70’s all I heard was that there was a shortage of aviation mechanics. I saved up and spent the money on the 2 years of mandatory schooling and got a job as an aircraft mechanic. What I found out was that there wasn’t a shortage of mechanics, there was a shortage of mechanics that would work for low wages, poor benefits, and 24/7 mandatory shift work.
SO TRUE, I am an A&P, IA. I can't afford to work on aircraft full time, with the personal liability attached, and risk of night shift induced errors and omissions.
@@backcountrynomad5109 I've noticed. I wish the government's data from occupational outlook was more accurate. It's such a gamble choosing what career to get into right out of high school. ~Is your profession in high demand or not? How in the hell is an 18-year-old supposed to know this?
@@everythingisfine9988 Healthcare professionals are always in demand. Many RN's, surgical techs, CT techs, xray techs have left the hospital and are working as travel employees making 3-4x more then theu did at the hospital.
The fact that the journalists working on this story did not interview even one auto mechanic, tells volumes. The fact of the matter is that auto mechanics are treated like garbage and severely underpaid by dealerships and auto repair shops. The culture is so broken. Imagine, journalists doing a story about auto mechanic shortage in the economy, and not even include at least one interview with an experienced auto mechanic.
I find they always do this so they can broadcast a self serving message. Rather than pay people what they are worth, they will talk in circles avoiding the obvious.
The dude talking about flat rate BUT they potentially can make a lot of money 🥴 yeah "potentially". Failure to mention the idiosyncrasies like cherry picking the jobs they dispatch technicians. Service writers pushing jobs that benefit them in commissions but not the tech, or the fact that the higher up the pay scale you climb, the less gravy work you get. As dealerships would rather give the job to the guy under you who will do it just the same, but he makes 3-4 dollars less an hour. 🤷♂️ the industry has its short comings, but can also be rewarding if you plan accordingly.
Treat technicians as white collar jobs. Pay them a salary, give them benefits, make sure their work environment is optimal. It’s not that difficult. A technician should make more than a fast food worker.
Yep, I wouldnt be afraid to get my truck serviced at a dealership if I knew the techs were actual techs who had skill and got paid well for that skill. When a guy just starting out and changing oil and brakes is only $10 or $15 an hour under the guy who is a total whizz at figuring out the complex communication, emissions, and fuel control system problems in modern cars, there is a problem. At the same time, the industry wants the vehicles serviced poorly. Once the complex systems act up then they want the owner frustrated into another car.
This right here, no way in hell should I as a tech (for Monro) have to carry serious liability while not even 15 ft away the bobevans is hiring for $15 (I make less than that)
@@colestaples2010In the 80's I would have laughed at this idea. Today though? Absolutely. And anyone who disagrees is kidding themselves. The human body of the 1980's has precisely the same organs and fundamental structures as today, and the last several hundred thousand years. The car of today is a completely different beast from the 80s Biological evolution is a slow process ensuring the knowledge we win from it has a long shelf life. Synthetic evolution in technology has been breakneck to the point that in the last three decades automechanics have had to fundamentally change their approach several times as more technology enters the equation - like new vital organs spontaneously emerging.
My dad was an old school mechanic but I was discouraged from entering the industry. Ended up working on medical equipment where the pay is better and the work is actually appreciated.
Yup, mine as well. Taught me a lot of what he knew but he looked out for me and im about to be a nurse practicioner. No complaints and grateful for his wisdom
My old man was an auto mechanic when I was a kid he changed careers thankfully. Now he does it on the side and knows how to work on our cars. I, on the other hand, am in HVAC
I saw a job ad for Mobile Mechanic. Read futher and it stated: Must have own tools. Must have own truck and phone. Who are they kidding? If I had all that I would just go independent without a middleman or broker.
I am a computer programmer, I fix my own cars usually because it's just insane how much mechanic shops charge. I bought a 2014 Mercedes e350 brand new, my wife drives a 2016 Porsche Cayenne, and I have since replaced the spark plugs/ ignition coils, brakes, and changed the oil/ filters on both those cars. They wanted $500 per service, when the parts only cost $100 online. When the start/stop system started making the car sputter at low rpm, I replaced the ignition coils/spark plugs for $300 in parts for 4 hours when the dealership wanted $2k! The parts usually costs only 15% of what the dealership quote me here in Washington. It's just slightly more complicated than doing home repairs/renovations in my opinion.
@@designexplainedllc346 Worst part about that is there are some things that you cant get around needing a Dealer only diagnostic tool or some nonsense like that. Luckily my Merc was made in the 80's and I don't have that issue.
There is never a shortage of workers, in this case mechanics. There is a shortage of salary. Pay people what they are worth, and you will always have a full staff.
@The Shah of Iran Raise pilot pay to $400k, $500k, or whatever it takes and the airline will not have a problem in recruitment and retention. It is how competition works. Assuming there is actually an employee shortage, that is even more reason to pay well so your company is not hurting for talent.
@@gusasiu I agree with you. As a automotive tech and welder, I could fill a shop with A-level talent in both fields, just the owner would have to come off their wallet to get it. I also believe the term “competitive pay” is misleading. That’s a fancy way of saying we’re doing the same thing as everybody else and when they get the same results as everybody else, they wonder why.
Thirty years of being a mechanic here. Being a "technician" at a dealer is a losing game, especially since the manufacturers create the labor times the flat rate system is based upon. They never take into account that metal corrodes. The engineers and designers who create these vehicles, and who make two or three times the people who have to fix those vehicles, have no clue what it's like to fix their f*#$ups. If a "technician" gets stuck doing warranty work at a dealer... May as well go and apply for welfare benefits. Fleets and independent shops (if you can find a good one) are where it's at. Want to solve the "technician" problem? Pull some of those engineers away from their desks and make them work on their creations in the repair bay for a year. The flat rate system has to go as well. Customers don't help much either. Mechanics are automatically thought of as crooks by those customers who expect Wal-Mart prices for decades of knowledge and experience.
I agree 100% with your proposal. Design engineers should have to pull wrenches, work grease guns, thread bolts into tight, hot spaces, etc. They can't teach that stuff in school. MSME, Georgia Tech, 1990
@@robw9435 There should be cross training in both directions and I understand why a lot of vehicles are made the way they are (cost, assembly line stuff etc.) but, as I'm sure you're well aware, some things just leave me scratching my head. Some things make ya wonder if the engineering departments ever talk to one another.
as a full time mechanic and independent shop owner, I can confidently say that its not the shortage of techs, its the shortage of pay. This job requires constant training, car companies are constantly changing technology in vehicles, on top of the fact that each job has to be done with care, precision and no room for error, as well as spending tens of thousands on tools, and performing a job that takes a toll on the body. all for a median salary of 45k. dealerships and manufacturers struggle to make profit and their way around it is to take advantage of the techs.
Not to mention and I found it out first hand, if you want to do anything other than be a lube or tire tech you're required to get brand specific training which costs a minimum of six figures. I tried to go through the ford asset program and found out that even if I could have put every cent I earned into paying off the school loan I would have been paying it off for the next 15 years, that and the fact that pay scale was conditional to my scores during training and I calculated how long it would take assuming I got perfect scores through the whole course, by my math that means even if I could take up to half of each paycheck I would have been a debt slave for the next 30+ years, still be tens of years away from retirement, only just be able to afford to do anything for myself let alone a family and I would be in my 50s at a minimum
People don't like mechanics. Treat them like trash. Closed my shop after 3 years. The last straw was we saved a family friend $2000 over a dealership repair. She left us a 3 star review on our Google page because it took 3 days longer than expected. The dealer sent 1 small incorrect part that had to be re ordered. That wasn't our fault!
Is that a prime reason to close your shop? Sh1tty people are everywhere, try being a nurse or (in my case) a college professor. If someone gets an F for the course, it is always MY fault and the internet is a good place for them to vent. I am still in the profession because I like to work with people who DO appreciate me. And there are plenty of good customers too.
Same here. Pulled an all nighter to put a transmission in so they could have their car for the weekend then they claimed they forgot their checkbook. I told them to pay when they got back from vacation and never heard from them again. I used to go out of my way to help everyone I could but after that I sold almost all of my tools on eBay and haven’t worked on anyone’s car since then.
After reading through the comments obvious patterns start to emerge. Mechanics are seen as janitors while doing an engineers job. Good o'l American capitalism. 👍
When I got a job at a shop (I’m not in the industry anymore for right now), I left a job at Walmart overnight stocking for $14.50/hr and got paid $10.50 an hour as a lube tech. That was a probationary period, not sure how much I made after bc I left either right before the raise or right after, but I’d guess I probably would have been raised to $12/12.50.
I was a tech for 10 years. When I started, dealership labor rates in my area were around $110, by the time I left they hovered around $180 while tech pay was stagnant. I actually loved being a tech but the pay was no longer worth it.
The dealerships are billing their customers 5x to 10x what they actually pay their mechanics to do all the work.. Healthcare industry is even worse.. There they bill everything at 50x to 100x what the labor costs. Now they cry woeist me, "can't get mechanics". "Can't get nurses". (Despite laying off nurses in droves over the unconstitutional mandates. 10s of thousands in New York alone)... everybody who works in this industries for these evil abusive companies needs to put their foot down and PERMANENTLY REFUSE to work for them. Do so until the do nothing leeches are forced to shut down. Go off on your own and make 5x the money.
@@billbyrd1361 the reverse of this,is without a service department,there 's no franchise,in other words they have to close the doors,if you sell a new car truck,it has to be serviced there or within 50 miles of the purchase,sooner or later,dealership owners will have to go back to 50% commission,i worked commission all my career,i also found out,that you have to specialize,i did two,a/c and transmission rebuilding,as i wanted top pay
@@strattuner No need for the rip off sales commission either. Just order your vehicle online exactly how you want it and have it delivered without all the games. The American people would be far better off without the ripoff hospitals and car dealerships. And the best healthcare plan is a plane ticket to another country. Let the whole corrupt house of cards collapse under its own weight.. As far as repairs and service goes there are more then enough honest small business owners to handle the demand..
@@billbyrd1361 "...Go off on your own and make 5x the money." I'm just saying it worked for me. So far 5x is an exaggeration compared to top techs at new-car dealerships and top indies, but it is better from purely from an income standpoint. A central significant point, that affects my customers, is that I take the time I want to, to take care of the vehicle the way I want to, to take care of my customer the way I want to. I have no boss to pressure me into cutting corners.
You gotta love the fact they didn’t interview a actual Technician. I was a dealership tech for 25yrs. The job got worse every year I got out in 2015 & wish I did earlier.
I was a dealer tech fof 17 years did the flat rate thing, sometimes you made good money but the majority of the time you had to kick, scratch and bite to get any extra time especially on warranty repairs. You stories on the repairs done (always had the 3 C's, concern,cause, correction) were constantly scrutinized by service management, you didn't dot this i, cross that t, punch time isn't correct or you didn't punch off or on properly for the additional repairs needed. We can't pay for that or my fav was your punch time wasn't long enough so you'll be paid for your straight time, especially with warranty repairs. Penalized for beating the posted labor time. Especially when had a warranty clerk who didn't know her ass from a hole in the ground. Parts inventories were severely reduced, you couldn't parts needed to finish the job in a timely matter. E.G. a 2 hour job took 3 days because you had to wait for parts, before you know it you have 4 or 5 jobs delayed because of parts. Then the service writers won't give you anymore jobs because of those delays. You might be standing around for awhile and your lift was tied up if needed you could put a jack under it a push it out, then do the same and push it back in when the parts needed finally showed up.. Then you called into the service manager's office and he or she tells you your not flagging enough hours and have to step up, when you tell them its because of the parts situation it falls on deaf ears. It there's a warranty description you have to "do battle" with both your service manager and the Factory service rep for the particular repair and why the additional time was needed. Your were out there by yourself and get 0 support from management. Then you get your cut throat techs who would stab in the back to steal a job from you and management doesn't care. Then they hire "apprentices" to train under the Vets which in turn your either training your replacement or they get all the good paying jobs and the Vets are stuck with the crap jobs that don't pay ,waste more time then anything. You get the weak service writers who are scared of their shadows complain that were not working hard enough because they are making enough money and refuse to sell work or are afraid too. Sorry don't mean to vent, but it can go on forever.
I worked at a Toyota dealership and the pay for a service tech was $25 an hour at flat rate and you had to really bust you butt to get that flat rate pay. Went to an industrial mechanic sit on my butt all day work maybe 2 hours out of 8 and make $36.50 …. And i’m not frustrated all the time trying to get in tight spots and tight bolts.
20 years experience here, and I can say there is a shortage of mechanics willing to work for free. My dealership charges $200+ an hour and I don't even make 25% of it. I'm changing career and becoming a welder.
I'm working in a 3 bay gas station and making 30% of the labor rate and we have different tiers depending on age of car or if it's diag work. Need a little steadier work flow but I do have a decent guarantee. The least I make for a billed hour is 42.18 the most 65.09. I mostly need to train my boss to actually use the correct labor rate from the jump. It's coming along but he forgets sometimes.
last time I paid for mechanic shop, was charged. $200+ to put on new heater hose and bleed the system. took them 36 mins from start to finish. 🤡 never again. never again I'll buy a Subaru too
Welder, that's just as bad or worse. Welders are in and out of work as the economy booms and goes into recessions. seen it in the 80's. Plumber--- you will be paid more and it doesn't dip with the economy. Its harder though.
As a Ford technician. I’d say the main reason I second guess my career is due to poor pay from flat rate times and warranty pay. Working as an auto tech is a very daunting and we should be paid accordingly.
@@mrcead You must of bumped your head. Do you understand that shops are charging $120 per hour for labor and holding cars hostage for almost a week. Imagine how much money you could make in a three bay shop doing "fast lane" repairs in three days? There is a guy on TH-cam that showed exactly how easy it was for him to open his shop with only five years experience as a mechanic doing just that. He already had many of the tools and equipment he needed. What he didn't have, he purchased as he went. My advice to all is to stop working hard to make someone else rich and start working harder to make yourself rich. Because at the end of the day, their is not enough meat on the bone to make the company that you work for rich as well as yourself.
I'm an ex mechanic and I could type up a whole book on why... So I'll just keep it short. These dealershits and repair shops demand skilled techs then underpay and abuse them. For the amount of skills you need to require, the stress, wear and tear physically and mentally, and constant learning required as technology changes.... It just isn't worth it. The job gets more demanding by the year and they pay you garbage money.
Also one major factor is the physical aspect of the job. After so many years your hurting. Body aches. Racking vehicles , bending over, twisting. And more. Then when it’s 105 degrees outside and the shop inside is 105 also. Your sweating so bad. All you have is a fan. Same with winter time. Then you go into parts or the service department and it’s nice and cool with air conditioning. The advisors are clean and make twice what you do sitting around complaining it’s to hot out. Unless your an Auto tech for even a month you will never understand what we all go through.
It would still be the secretary making more than the doctor, though, the problem isn't that the secretary is making more than you, is that you are not being paid the same as him/her, as a minimum.
The white collar/blue collar divide is killing the economy. And at this point all that divide means is is the job clean or dirty. Clean jobs are seen as higher status and so pay more, while dirty jobs are lower status and so pay less. I know people with no job, living with parents in their 20s because they are unwilling to work a dirty job because that is not success.
That is a common problem. Alot of people in this world wanting to be the middle man, take a piece of the pie without doing the actual job that's getting billed.
No Career Path, You Work Long Hours, No Benefits, No Health Insurance, No Union, No 401K and they Wonder WHy Young People are Not Going Into the Trades? I see Why Young People Are Not going Into the Trades..
I’ve been a mechanic for over 40 years, and I haven’t seen any lifelong mechanics that didn’t have bad back and bad knees. It’s a hard job it requires a lot of knowledge and a lot of money spent on tools and training. The industry just does not pay people enough. I have been lucky enough to make some good financial decisions and I retired at 51 with broken body.
@@gigiesparza396 He probably feels like crap, physically. Bad knees, back, shoulders, etc. It’s heavy work in weird angles, in hot/cold weather…. I’ve never done it but I worked as a service advisor for a few weeks and I’m so happy I didn’t take their offer to become a quick lane guy. Hell no I didn’t wanna do oil changes and other quick jobs with hopes of turning into one of the grumpy ass miserable mechanics like the old guys at that shop.
@@WhiteCheddar. haha. Close but not since 11. However just because I’m retired doesn’t mean I’m not still a mechanic, I just don’t work a full time job. Now it’s just a hobby 👍🏼 But I did start working in a garage at age 14and now at 57 yes over 40 years. I love it , always have and always will. I bet you I dreamed about being a mechanic before I was 11.
@@gigiesparza396 I have my good and bad days. Try to focus my personal health. I know part of it just comes with age but I also know a big part of it comes from the job, the chemicals, the weather in the Northeast. But I wouldn’t change much, probably would’ve learned how to deal with stress better. Stress is a real killer!
Way to go on making a story about the shortage of auto technicians and service providers where not one auto technician or mechanic or advisor is interviewed.
This video BARELY touched on the fact the fact that techs need to purchase thier own tools and that they are not getting any cheaper. There are also new tools they constantly need to purchase for newer model cars. As a result, some techs are constantly in debt with the larger name tool trucks if they don't shop smart.
This is a huge factor, especially with modern cars that require increasingly more expensive diagnostics equipment to communicate with all the computers. A scan tool can cost thousands of dollars, and you will likely need multiple ones depending on car make, subsystem, age, etc.
@@iguanamoat Scan tools should be bought by the shop and if you are an independent shop you should probably have the factory tool for your top three brands you service. The shop should also have a subscription to factory websites for the same. Sure you can program a lot of brands with a J2534 box but you also increase the chance you brick that new module by accident.
I am surprised to learn that the dealer shops do not even provide the tools. Literally, the dealers just provide a workspace, technicians are making $200/h, but pay 90% to “rent” the workspace, and only keep 10% themselves???
I work on the front side of the dealer. In a small city, our dealership sells less than 100 vehicles a month. Our GM made in 2021 $450k in one year. How did I find out? I found his W2 while detailing his car 😂
'Deep generational shift'? Long days, work every weekend, low pay, huge tool bills, unrealistic flat rate times, unpaid diagnostics, little to no vacation, no sick leave, 30 minute lunch break, and very little, if any, respect for the profession. Sound too good to be true? Don't worry, it'll wreak havoc on your body too. If you're lucky you'll get to experience having some of those hard earned tools stolen as well. 10 years, $30,000, tech school tuition, and a huge pile of certs was enough punishment for me. Glad there's a shortage. The entire industry needs an overhaul. It's past time for technicians to get PAID.
As a 40+ year master auto technician and consultant, I know that this problem can easily be solved by paying auto technicians what they're worth. For what you need to know (electrical, computer, programming, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic), and what you need to have ($10k- $30K+ in tools - easily!), they don't get paid squat. Take their avg pay of $30-$50 hr. for having all of these skills and tools, and compare to, lets say a plumber, who can make $100+hr, with a fraction of tool costs, and a fraction of the required knowledge required for their field, in comparison to an auto tech. THAT'S a problem folks!!
Problem is ain’t no one ever paying 30-50 and hour. I left the industry. Had a AA EVERY ASE besides L1 and did everything. Couldn’t get more than 16$ our trans guy was only making 22$!!!!!
@@ericrotermund1004 I stated $10k-$30K that a professional auto technician will spend on their personal tools. So I don't understand your $50K in tools question.???
@@krga94cAs a plumber myself, you’re mistaken if you think a master or journeyman plumbers spend less than $10K on tools. A pro press gun alone can run you $2-3K. Never mind actual snakes, hydro jetters, cameras, locators, liners, etc. I know you didn’t mean malice but it’s just a bit arrogant to put other trades down to lift auto mechanics up as if plumbers aren’t mechanics in their own right with extensive schooling as well to learn about DWV, Gas, welding, and that’s not including HVAC, Pipefitting, steam fitters, etc. I’d also argue that Plumbing as a whole is a lot more important to society than being an auto mechanic so we rightfully get paid more.
8 years ago, I remember working as a entry level mechanic at a dealership. A customer paid $550 for a rear brake job on a SUV. I got paid .9 hour from that work order. My flat rate was $14/hr. It really opened my eyes as to how that industry is. I only worked there for 4 months. I’ve change my profession since.
@@mrdol I am in law enforcement now. I am pretty happy with my decision. It's nice to know that I'll have a decent pension after a 20 year career. I also have a pretty clear career progression and good benefits.
@Karl with a K I think it’s a lot more than teaching critical thinking skills lol. If you pay your employees what they are actually worth, you’ll keep them for longer.
As mechanic, I put up with long hours, overtime, less pay, 6 days a week, 11 hours a day, skip lunch, kept my mouth shut even when manager stole money daily, even knowing my checks is always $300 short, I always prayed the lord to get me out of that situation. One day an evil customer just started ratting on me, yelling shouting very violent wouldn’t stop for long time saying he was ripped off when I had no idea.for no reason it’s about,manager didn’t do anything at all. So I walked out w my tools left the job. I felt better I did that. You see lord has a way
@@xae7816 Same bro. I got panic attacks due to the stress at the job so i quit and now i look out for my health first. NGL it could be hard to transition to a new type of career, already in the journey to find something else, good luck and let the wage gods look after you!
I feel ya guys been with gm since 2008 back then mostly doing maintenance/lube. I’m a master tech almost world class. I have been keeping my out eye for other options I’m still young 36. Looking for a city/government job. Hang on there fellas we are some resilient tough dudes.
NOT ONE TECHNICIAN was interviewed for this story!!! Nobody asked former techs why they are leaving the industry. EVERY dealership owner I worked for stated that all they want to do is SELL cars. My son got a degree in I.T. His FIRST job paid more yearly salary than I EVER made in my 40 year career!! Poor pay, lack of benefits, poor working conditions, giving our time/expertise away for free (free inspections) all while being told to work faster equals people leaving.
As a former diesel mechanic, I got hurt during the job and I was a month on leave without any pay. That being, being a mechanic is a dangerous job believe it or not. We make contact with auto fluids that is detrimental to our skin, we risk picking up heavy objects repetitively, we work in extreme hot conditions, we’re constantly breathing in toxins, and we risk de-gloving our hands. All these for a lousy 15 the hour and no health benefits. Way to go America! Way to lose the workers who keep America moving
Seems your choosing to ignore osha and your own safety. Wear gloves but I forgot that only girls wear those right? Safety in that industry is just for girls right?
@@jayroberts2555 no it’s more like many shop managers don’t provide gloves and masks even though they are required to. My manager refuses to even though he was told by corporate he’s suppose to. Gets expensive buying your own protective gear but I still do
@Sid The sloth sadly it’s not at a lot of shops. Yes some are paying $22 which isn’t much better when techs were making more than that 20 years ago lol
@Sid The sloth ya there some around my area that pay $20 to $ 25 for fleet but I’ve also seen some that only pay $16. I know fleet and working for the city is only decent automotive jobs.
As a mechanic, I have to say this is pretty accurate. I’ve been in this field for 13 years, and it’s the only thing I’ve ever done. It’s just been in the last year where I found a job that fills all the needs of pay, healthcare benefits, and retirement package(s). Most mechanic jobs don’t meet all 3. For example: I had a job with decent pay and had healthcare benefits, but they wanted HALF of my monthly take home pay as a premium to cover my wife and 2 kids. Plus a $10k max out of pocket and $2000 deductibles. Most people don’t know that mechanics supply 90% of the tools needed to to the job. I currently have no less than $30k invested in my tooling and in this industry that’s not a lot. I’ve known mechanics to have $100k worth of tools. I think I have found my forever shop now. Last year I made $82k. I pay $0 premium for my PPO healthcare, $0 deductible that covers my 3 kids and wife. I have a pension, stock options, and a 401k. I have 3 weeks vacation and 7 sick days every year. It really is the BEST combination of pay and benefits for a mechanic and it’s the standard that the industry will have to meet it attract and retain quality mechanics.
There are good places out there but I'd still never advise someone to get into the work. I clear about 80k before taxes working on planes. Took years of working weekends, coming in on OT whenever an issue happened, and dealing with low pay. Happy to be where I'm at because office work is not all it's chopped up to be. The people who know how hard it is pay properly. You need a mixture of book smart and hands on smart people to handle the variety of problems that come up.
With 38 years in the automotive trade, 29 years are with dealers I would never consider going back into that ever again. Dealer managers and owners are all about greed, the flat rate system only creates conflict and hate, in fact I am surprised there isn't a workplace shooting every week. My advice to the younger generation, there are much better ways to make a living.
I worked for Chrysler for 17 Years as a master tech and the Owner actually told the technicians at one meeting that he is in THE CAR SELLING BUSINESS. not repair business and wish we were all gone.....One year later I opened my own shop and that was 20 years ago.
12 year mechanic here, here’s my take: 1. Lack of appreciation from management. 2. Flat rate is robbery no matter what way you slice it, whether you’re a great mechanic or not. Pay should be consistent and systematic. Like…. Idk… the majority of places. 3. Stop treating us as profit. Each person has a value more than how “fast” and how proficient they work to bring in money. Just because they don’t hit their usually ridiculous incentive amount doesn’t mean they should be in the hot seat. 4. Subsidize how much we *have* to pay for tools. I look at my $40k worth of tools with discontent cause of the years that I had to pay for tools. These are just a few reasons why nobody wants to be a mechanic, or stay a mechanic
@@AutomotiveDysfunction he said he already had the tools I would think 40k would br enough I've seen people do it with far less working from their garage at home.
Get an associates degree, invest 10k in tools, make mid 50-60k after 4-5 years experience, get yelled at for things out of your control, get micromanaged, get injured, develop back problems all before 40 years. Then be out of a job because the mechanic can’t meet the physical demands. Same with construction work. It’s a great short term career. If you are young, good with your hands, do it for 10-15 years, but then have a plan B. Take classes on your spare time or receive training to go beyond being a technician. Good luck out there. Go make that money, get dirty, but always always plan for the future.
I've been hearing about the "tech shortage" ever since I got into the business in the mid 90s. Common sense says if there's a shortage, pay should go up but they've been avoiding that solution. They would rather run the business into the ground and complain that "no one wants to work" than pay what it's worth.
So I see you have dealership expierience. Ive been at GM 15 years...more training for less money is the game. And while picking on manufacturers, dare i mention constantly declining warranty repair rates? In my humble opinion, the service department keeps the doors open, but in this screwed up existance the more dishonest you are the more you make...that completely contradicts what the techs role is. Its truly sickening to see what this has turned into
As a young person who went to school for auto mechanics, I found a job servicing forklifts making more money, better benefits, and no flat rate pay. Gotta say I don't see myself ever going into automotive service as the industry stands today.
I worked in the restaurant business for 15 years. Then I left it for a machine operator at a Darnel warehouse, making a lot more money with better hours than in the restaurants business. In the restaurant business, I had no life, worked from open to close. Then go back the very next morning. I got sick of it. Now at Darnel I work from 7am to 5pm, 4 days a week.
I'm young as well, left the transportation repair industry for industrial machinery repair. Easy work, it's hourly pay, making double what I did before. Good retirement and benefits too
Used to charge people $200 an hr for IT. So I could make $20 hr. There is such a dispensary between the money invested in businesses vs individuals it's amazing that the average person can get anything done.
I worked as a certified mechanic for Nissan 3 years and Toyota 4 years and I was getting payed same as you. Thank GOD I walked out from this demonic carrier. They always were overworking technicians, always ""accidently"" underpaying us, always yelled at for not upselling blinker fluids for $500 or coolant flush on a car that has less than 10,000 miles.
I delivered to this dealership when I worked for FedEx. While I usually just delivered and left, sometimes I’d talk to the techs when there was a rare car in for service. One conversation that sticks out to me was when they got a gt40. I was talking to a technician about how it was going, and by the end of it he was asking me if we were hiring. It wasn’t just this one interaction either. Every conversation I had with a technician always soured. Overworked, underpaid and the physical toll it takes on your body is unprecedented. This dealership was always slammed too. Felt bad for those guys.
That sucks. My husband (who is American) is friends with a South Sudanese guy who recently got refugee status in the US (thus allowing him to live and work in the US). Back in Africa, this South Sudanese refugee, used to work as a mechanic back in Africa, working in South Sudan, Sudan (north), Ethiopia and the DR Congo. He mostly worked on old, broken down cars with mileages of 300,000 to even 1 million. Now that he has the right to live and work in the US, it's his dream to continue being a mechanic in the States. Right now, he just does Uber Eats and Doordash, driving a PT Cruiser.
I'm a fedex driver myself and former auto tech. I only lasted 6 months at the shop, and quit because I spent my days off recovering from body aches. Also, you're constantly spending money on aquiring more tools. Even if you buy budget tools, it's still an out-of-pocket expense that racks up quickly. Three of my former classmates from auto tech school quit their dealership jobs and switched to a different career.
I work at an independent shop in illinois, I interviewed for 4 shops after leaving my last one. They all offered me the job. All of them offered me flat rate. The dealers were offering like half of what I got offered at independent shops.
All I heard in this entire video was that "This field isn't lucrative enough because of self-acknowledged low pay and terrible working conditions. We're not sure what we can do to acknowledge this." They literally answered the problem in their own assessment. pay people more, and offer better conditions and training to workers. The whole idea that it's a "good salary" is clearly not true, or it would not be a sector-wide problem. "If they're able to make what they need to make" isn't the same thing as "If they're able to make what they're worth."
I worked as an automotive technician at a dealer for over 20 years. It was time to leave and I just didn’t see it getting any better. Totally agree with every comment I read! Very spot on. The reason for the shortage is all right here in these comments. Words from real world technicians and former dealership techs. They are just speaking the truth from what they have experienced.
I have a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria LX Sport sedan. Every year it just gets older. Currently, I need a new AC system, new intake manifold, repairs to driver door, driver seat, rear pass window(power window). It's cheaper & more practical to buy or finance a used SUV car 2015, 2014 era then dump $$$ on a 20yr old V8 engine car.
I need to tell you guys one thing once and for all. I was a master tech from 1975-1999. I worked at many shops and dealerships and it was tough work. I had thousands of dollars in tools, certifications up the wazoo and fixed many cars no one else could, or didn't want but in 1999 I got so fed up with the business, I left for good and never looked back. I can tell you horror stories that would fill TH-cam. I got so tired of poor wages(flat rate is fart rate), poor benefits, and poor management. My wages being so bad my family suffered. From what I'm now hearing from you young guys its still the same way. There was a mechanics shortage back then.The automotive field HAS NOT CHANGED ONE BIT. Get it through your head- it never will! You can offer all the solutions and ideas you can muster but ITS NOT GOING TO CHANGE. Take my advise- in 2000 I changed careers and it was the best thing I ever did. Its said, "A wise man learns from his mistakes, but a wiser man learns from the mistakes of others." Wake up guys and move on.
Hey, maybe you have some insight. Do you happen have any ideas on why an a GM 2.5 liter iron duke engine would be running rich at idle? Or any scan tools that can read live data on an 87 engine with the pre-OBD ALDL interface?
Ditch flat rate. Problem solved. I was a Nissan tech and to rebuild a transmission under warranty paid 3 hours but took almost 2 days to do. Ontop of that we have to buy our tools and they aren't cheap. People don't quit good jobs, they quit bad management.
Ex-Master Ford tech here with ASE master truck and auto. Was at last dealer till the March of this year. $42 flat rate. 40 minutes one way to work. Turning 20 hours a week while being there 50-60 hours. I left and took some time off for medical reasons. In may I started a job at a used car lot at 22 hourly. All the company wants me to do is fix cars (no shortcuts) so they can be put on the sell line. No pressure or hurry ups. Just fix them. 40 hours a week and I am home in 15 minutes. One of the best jobs I have had in my 40+ years as a mechanic. Also if I need to take time of to rest my 60 year old body the owner does not mind. That right there is peace of mind.
johnfrancis0063, I sure would like to find a mechanic I can just pay $25 an hour to take on some jobs I would rather have help on. I wonder where I can find someone like you local. These are sone jobs that I’m in no rush to have done.
As a former tech, I can say I left disappointed. My passion was cars. But I realized working at a dealership is not about your passion for cars. It's about politics and productivity. How many, how fast. Period.
In 1980 I was 3 years into my career as a mechanic. I was making $8 an hour, my mother who was a registered nurse was making $8.25 an hour. The pay is so far out of whack now. Also the working conditions are horrible, shops are always either hot or cold, you're always dirty, you're exposed to chemicals all the time, it's physically demanding and you find yourself bent around like a contortionist trying to get in position to fix something. It's just not worth it.
@@humbertob9285 what I do now is all industrial equipment. Mostly all Industrial Automation and Robotics. Much better working conditions. There are guys I work with called control specialists. They work on the programmable logic controllers. They make great money and they are always in demand. If I had it to do over again that's what I'd go into
Was a mechanic for 20 years- chemical exposure was huge. Left the field 15 years ago. Now my hands do not crack & bleed 1/2 the year. Also, mechanics are over dependent on electronic diagnostics- if you don't know the basics then all the electronics in the world don't help.
I was a dealer technician 2011-2019. What made me leave the trade was how warranty flat rates kept dropping, customer pay was more for the dealer to profit and if a discount was offered it was the technician labor that was cut, and the complexity of the vehicles increased however the pay didn’t match the skill and effort required to actually fix the vehicle. Overall, the physical tax on the body doesn’t make sense when there is nothing to set you up for retirement. If they want to save the trade, they need to share their profits, take care of their technicians, make it a requirement for service managers to be shop foremans instead of a service writer so they can actually understand what technicians (heart of the dealerships) need.
Once the shortage becomes an emergency wages will go up. I see it in the machining, cnc industry. Wages are going up pretty fast because nobody wants to do it, and high schools aren't offering machining classes anymore.
@maxxbenzz7842 it won't, if you look at thr ev market and how much components to repair them cost from accidents the writing is on the wall. Cars are going to become expensive but disposable appliances that live for about 5 years and then are thrown away. A Rivian R1T with quarterfinal damage is expensive enough of a repair to total it, and a hyundai Ioniq battery pack replacement costs the entire car itself.
I’m absolutely shocked that dealers and manufacturers act like they don’t know why people do t want to be tech’s anymore. I was a tech in the 90s and I got out of the business because of the ridiculous designs they are using making cars so complicated to fix. Throw in the horrible warranty pay and there is your answer.
@@aladdingames6557 the diagnostic can help narrow it down but it doesn't usually give an exact solution. theres so many useless features in cars all of it is just more things that can break
Mechanic here going on 20+ years now. I got my start fresh out of high school in the early 00's. Worked at a franchise dealer (VW) for a little over 8 years. It ebbed and flowed, but I quickly realized that the industry was lopsided in how the pay structure is organized. However I really love working on cars, it's my passion, and didn't want to do anything else. So I became Independent. I've been running my own repair shop for almost 13 years now. It was the best decision I ever made in my life, and has changed my life. I always tell any fellow mechanic that will listen, before you hang them up, before you quit and go start from scratch in another industry (that will have its own unique problems, because no industry is perfect) try running your own show. Our duties require us to micromanage, and think outside the box by default. The leep to becoming your own boss is not as steep as you might believe. Plus there are so many sources of information to refence at your fingertips thanks to the internet. Look into it. It may be the best thing you ever do for your life and your family. Stay safe 🛠
I found an independent shop who the owner was just like yourself. I did business with the guy for over 30 years until he retired and sold out to a new owner. I liked the new owner but his quality was sub par. He went out of business 3 years after taking over. I am now trying to find a new shop to have a long term relationship with. Have not found one yet.
Hey Gabriel, I'm launching my Auto Repair business within 3 weeks from today. I'd love to chat with you sometime and benefit from any tips and advice you might have for me. I thought about sending you a direct message, but not really sure how to do it on you tube.
I was a mechanic straight out of high school at both a dealership and a private shop and worked salary and flatrate for about 7 years. I left the auto industy because the pay, benefits, and hours are TERRIBLE across the industy. The auto repair industry does not compare to say an electrician, plumber, HVAC tech and so on in terms of pay and benefits. I would even argue that auto repair is one of the few industries that could benefit from union representation in the US. This would have been more insightful if an actual mechanic was interviewed.
I've known a couple mechanics that worked for union shops. If you think the pay is poor, try watching the union cut it lower while taking their cut. Benefits would be nice, but by that point you were so tired of the politics, low pay, insane rules and crummy benefits. Sadly unions act like the pay in nowhere Kansas is good enough for someone living in San francisco.
I am a former mechanical engineer, but I have always wished that I became a mechanic instead of getting my masters in mechanical engineering, given how the mechanical engineering field is so crowded with so many applicants competing for too few jobs (like acting). Would I have been better off becoming a mechanic instead?
@@perfectsplit5515 In terms of getting work as an auto technician, you will never run out of work to do; as long as there are cars on the road, you will always have a job in servicing, diagnosing, and repairing cars. As for doing the job as an auto technician, it is a physically demanding job that requires a fair amount of endurance for every day that you work; there are also a huge amount of hazards that you have to deal with every single time but that knowledge can be drilled into you through repetition. Now comes the question of company culture, there are some bosses who understand the need to entice their technicians to take on the burden of working this high skilled job and therefore they will structure their business to support the technicians in culture and remuneration. There are too many kinds of bosses who do not think in this way and so the technicians that do work for them will develop burn out and contempt for their work. Just my five cents into working within the auto repair trade.
Yep. In high school, I was on track to become a mechanic. Saw how hard the work was, which I actually enjoyed, then saw the pay structure and I noped right out.
Throughout this video, I see working techs, YOU gave them no voice. Their opinions did not matter in your video, the same in the dealerships/shops we left. That manager is either oblivious, or doing a great job at hiding that dealerships and other service shops ABUSE good technicians.
I have been a tech over 23 years now. And did you notice the owner walking around looked like he had no clue what was going on in the shop? Same with the dealer I worked at. The owner only knew our names because it was on our uniforms. Your right and even I said this, they do not want to talk to the techs because the techs will always tell the truth about why no one wants to be a tech.
@@Aaron-or6ov the terrible thing about videos like this is young, eager people will see them, and believe theres an honest shortage of techs for the reasons they said. Those young people may even invest their education, time and money into one of these careers, then one day realize they were lied to. Hopefully they wont just dive in, without reaching out to techs who have left the dealership/service shops. We are here, and we'll tell them the truth.
@@rustedhorsepower5132 your right in every way. But with the forums now and these videos that lets future potential techs and lube techs see and hear what actually is happening to the auto industry. They can make the correct decision to pursue it or not. But I’m one former tech and after so many years do not get into the business. Listen to the techs.
@Paul Lunsford Its a great trade to learn. I just fixed a coolant leak on my daily driver and an a/c leak on my wife's car. Feels great to only pay for parts and come out with successful repairs. But you have to be cautious about your employment turning wrenches. If you feel used, use them for experience, then move on. To me dealerships should only be a stepping stone. Food service is also good tho, we all gotta drive and we all gotta eat, lol.
When I first got into auto repair and maintenance as a paying job, I was told by one of my senior guys to get out while I still can. Worked for Chevrolet for 3 years before I finally gave up. While I wasn't the fastest worker, or the most skilled, I still gave what effort I had every day until I was done. Loyalty to my boss got me nowhere, because there was always someone else higher on the ladder getting gravy work for one reason or another. I made maybe $500 a week on average after taxes, and living in the tri state area, that doesn't get you far at all. Couldn't afford the medical, which wasn't even good, couldn't afford to even start a 401k. I work for a city agency now, I'll never go back into fixing cars for money.
What's really sad is the deafness of the managers and OEM's in this industry. Thirty seven years ago I started out as a technician. I bounced around different independent shops and OEM dealerships in order to get more pay. When I hear the managers, and consultants, etc. in this story explain the issues, it brings back the memories of my time in this industry as a technician. Yet almost 40 yrs. later nothing has changed. Management, dealers, OEM's are all complaining about the same things - can't find help, can't find qualified help, can't keep employees, etc. Change the way you're running the business! It isn't hard. Technicians have to pay for their tools, uniforms, healthcare, retirement, insurance, training, and certifications, yet they're unappreciated by their employer and the customer. Once a technician figures this out, they leave and don't look back.
And fix the warranty pay system!!! The techs are the shock absorber . OEM only will pay .7 for a diag/programming problem? That took 4.3 hrs. No problem for the dealer. Just pay the tech .7. Dealer doesn’t care, the OEM is happy and the just got f@cked. Again.
Not only in the US. Years of under payment,people looking down on the mechanic's job,little recognition for their job and efforts to do a good job while providing for their family. But why is is that everybody is interviewed BUT a actual mechanic??? Maybe because the mechanics can tell you precisely WHY this job suffers from lack of people willing to do this anymore . I'm a mechanic for 33 years now and i strongly advised my son NOT to make my mistake.
Nurse shortage, teacher shortage, pilot shortage, mechanic shortage... stop paying them less and expect them to do more and more while taking away their resources. Companies need to stop over-promising their deliveries of services to the customers/patients.
Pilots make bank, it’s just that flight school is crazy expensive and pilots make almost no money for the first few years of their career when they get their 1500 hours before joining a regional airline that makes it a career almost inaccessible to people that don’t have rich parents.
The automotive industry has not seen a pay raise in the last 20+ years. Technicians in the 80's were paid 50% of the shops labor rate and cleared 100k. Now those techs are mostly out of the trade and the industry has greatly changed and become much more complex. Its almost impossible now to clear the same pay that was not uncommon 20+ years ago. Fixed-ops directors aka general managers are making 250k, service managers are making 150k min with bonus. Salesmen are all clearing 100k while they stand around most of the time and bs customers where we then have to go and explain to the customer that is not how their vehicle works. A technician is required to know how the vehicle works mechanically, electronically, features, options and diagnose a vehicle with 60 computers on it and multiple communication networks. Training is none stop because the technology is changing year to year and not getting easier. I have also seen a push where technicians are now being held liable if they don't catch something on a customer vehicle or for something that happens after the customer leaves. The professional tools are Extremely expensive! A single impact gun is normally around $500-$800 and the requirements to perform jobs on these vehicles cost the employee a huge amount of money and there is no reimbursement for it. I have 60K in tools and still need more but cant afford it. Imagine if there was any other field out there that required the employee to spend that much just to go to work. You have a family, a home, utilities, gas, groceries, vehicle expenses, the list goes on as everyone knows. So where does it makes sense to pay a tech in this industry the way they do when the cost just to do the job is so expensive. Your on your feet 10+ hours a day standing on concrete working under a 200 degree engine and running around like your doing a speed walking marathon just because the shop wants to bring in 150 cars a day so upper management can get their bonuses. New hires around my area are being paid $15 and not staying because they can go work with their cousin hanging dry wall for $24 to start, union, have $ per $ match on their 401k and fully paid health insurance. Health insurance cost for my place out of pocket cost is $300 per month for a single plan, family plan is over $1000 per month... How.. Is anyone suppose to make a living with this. Terrible pay, No Appreciation, long hours, horrendous benefits, working conditions, expensive cost in tools. This industry is going down hill and fast!! This industry needs to start coming to time and offering what every other trade has been doing for years!
Wow, I never even thought of this. I was just complaining about the wait for my car that was in the shop. I have a whole new perspective now, Your work is appreciated.
@@Sassysamaa Industry secret. If you put up with the wait, don't call every hour with "When's my car going to be done?" and pay your bill without any unnecessary drama, you'll become one of the shop's priority customers. The shop I work at has a small group of priority customers who can bring their vehicles in and get service right away, at the expense of the "Joe Schmoes" who probably won't be back anyway. The priority customers take care of their equipment (mechanics like to work on stuff that's going to be taken care of), they pay their bills and they keep coming back.
I am a mechanic for 23 years and getting out was the best thing I ever did . The problem is flat rate pay they manipulate your time and you work for free way to much untill they pay hourly for showing up they will continue to have this shortage and it will get worse .
I was in the auto industry for 10 years, started at 24, was a service tech for 7 years, became a service advisor, now I’m in the IT support. My starting pay in IT support is what I was making after 10 years in the Auto Industry and I am at the bottom of the food chain here! I like what I am doing now, the work environment is more relaxed, I have a hybrid schedule, benefits, more time for my hobbies, and I am no longer tired all the time
I was a mechanic for 10 years, left to get into engineering and never looked back. For the amount of knowledge you need to be a good tech, the pay isn't worth all the bs.
Being a mechanic back in the day was a respectable job and an important part of a community. Most garages have closed up and replaced with convenience stores that sell sugary drinks and snacks.
Let me get this straight: 1. You must pay for all your tools. Investing $60,000.00 or more for tools. 2. A service advisor makes more than the mechanic and does only 5% of the work as the mechanic. 3. You don't get paid for all the work that is done with diagnostics. 4. A large portion of mechanics are contractors. Hence, no benefits. 5. The amount continual education you get does not directly correlate to your pay. People don't seem to understand that transmission repair is far different from engine repair or that diesel fuel systems are vastly different from gasoline systems. All this takes considerable understanding. Yes, mechanics are treated as trash. 6. Currently, you're in an industry that is in a massive change from ICE to electrical. Your education and skill set is going to become obsolete. 7. Mechanics in many instances are seen dirty work even thou it's very technical. You can't just decide to do a timing belt service and valve adjustment on a Honda J35. 8. The dealership model makes mechanics compete against each for work. 9. You work with a dealership that is known for scamming their customers. Not all dealerships but enough to stain the industry. 10. Lastly, dealerships lobby the government to keep their archaic model in place that only benefits dealership. Any system that protects itself from evolving via market forces is inherently a bad system. What other industry does this? Why in the world would anyone want to get into this industry. I learned quickly from a young age buy reliable automobiles and do all servicing yourself (oil changes, transmission fluid changes, brake fluid, spark plugs, air filters, cabin filters, and so forth).
Fixing cars are just very time consuming and can be a real hassle at times. The pay is not worth it if you consider how much the dealership over charges people. As a mechanic I'm OK with just fixing my own car and I rarely want to do that..
First off, as a guy who wrenched for almost 10 years, let’s talk about long days, pay that can be iffy at best (job, hourly, etc), benefits that are sub par, high cost of tools and required equipment, being surrounded by tons of chemicals which are definitely not good for you (brake dust, coolant, oil, gas), constant pressure to do the job fast because there are 4 other jobs your boss is trying to throw on your plate, and tons more. But what do I know…
The average c tech makes $12-$25 an hour and have to pay for training and tools. The average tech will max out near $25-$30. My local Walmart is paying $20 an hour. It seems pretty obvious
I WAS an Automotive tech from 2000-2010. I've seen this coming for 20 years. When you RIP OFF the mechanics (flat rate system) you are proving to them every single day that there is NO MONEY in this work. There are 20 huge reasons why I got out. I loved the work but it didn't love me. I still do side work, only way it's worth my time.
That is a new issue, these pay issues have been going on for at least 25 yrs. No electric cars in 1997, bud. Oh and don't remember the last time I've seen a shop close it's doors, even in the current economic times, bud.
No shops are going out of business because of electric cars still 95% of cars on the road are gas powered and there’s more people driving cars today then ever
The most exploited workers are auto technicians Mentally physically exhausted for minimum wage I had to quit after 15 years Start doing Uber I doubled my income with Uber than a job that requires knowledge, certificates and talent sad but true
You think being a mechanic was bad! I was a paramedic. 2 years of school and 1000+ hours of training, some calls I would have to give people medication to make them stop breathing so I can take over the airway with intubation. I would work kids in cardiac arrest, long hours 12-14 hr days. Guess how much I was making ? $17 lol 😂 there’s so many jobs that just do not pay enough for what you do. It’s ridiculous. I eventually got tired of struggling to live. I loved my job but needed money. I started a business and I’m way happier now
With your own shop you can charge $150/hr and be overwhelmed with business, assuming high quality and integrity. The biggest problem you'll have is hiring a few good mechanics to work for you but as a one man operation you can still thrive. (I do so in the field welding biz, not quite to $150 yet but can command that except I won't for old loyal customers)
@KR It's never easy and you have to be all in on it. Started my own tiny contracting biz at 20 not even knowing if there was an adequate market for it. Drove worthless econoboxes, had no TV, no toys no sterio, all my savings, time and energy went into it. Eventually it paid off, in a sense it pays off almost immeadiately from the experience, confidence built of taking on more than you know how to finish but figure it out as you go and get it done reasonably right, learn a ton. Under bid things and bust your ass long hours for free but still deliver a quality product, and so on.
There is plenty of labor. The industry simply doesn't know how to attract and retain it. They pretend the mechanics are stupid and will watch the front desk charge customers $150+ per hour and get paid $20 an hour. Not to mention they have to provide thousands of dollars worth of their own tools.
Technicians are realizing they are the heart of this industry and that they are not being treated accordingly. These shops profit off the sweat of technicians and pay them substandard wages with no benefits. The shops that are making a change and paying technicians better wages, giving them a percentage of parts sales and benefits are having no problem finding technicians. It's time for a change in this industry, we spend 10s of thousands of dollars each year on tools, training and we still have to take care of our familes.
Hours, Pay, vacation, Benefits, Tool cost, work environment all play a huge part in the career. I can tell you that even 90k a year for high level tech is extremely low considering all the knowledge, labor and oversight that is required from that employee.
And in some places, the cost to actually live there is high. I'm not a mechanic. But my job is having a similar issue with a shortage of staff. A lot of places here increasing the price of rent. Because they think a bunch of rich guys are going to buy it. So, where does that leave the local people here who aren't rich?
The automotive industry has not seem a pay raise in the last 20+ years. Technicians in the 80's were paid 50% of the shops labor rate and cleared 100k. Now those techs are mostly out of the trade and the industry has greatly changed and become much more complex. Its almost impossible now to clear the same pay that was not uncommon 20+ years ago. Fixed-ops directors aka general managers are making 250k, service managers are making 150k min with bonus. Salesmen are all clearing 100k while they stand around most of the time and bs customers where we then have to go and explain to the customer that is not how their vehicle works. A technician is required to know how the vehicle works mechanically, electronically, features, options and diagnose a vehicle with 60 computers on it and multiple communication networks. Training is none stop because the technology is changing year to year and not getting easier. I have also seen a push where technicians are now being held liable if they don't catch something on a customer vehicle or for something that happens after the customer leaves. The professional tools are Extremely expensive! A single impact gun is normally around $500-$800 and no harbor freight is not an option for everyday professional work were you rely on your tools to make you a living. I have 60K in tools and still need more but cant afford it. You have a family, a home, utilities, gas, groceries, vehicle expenses, the list goes on as everyone knows. So where does it makes sense to pay a tech in this industry the way they do when the cost just to do the job is so expensive. Your on your feet 10+ hours a day standing on concrete working under a 200 degree engine and running around like your doing a speed walking marathon just because the shop wants to bring in 150 cars a day so upper management can get their bonuses. New hires around my area are being paid $15 and not staying because they can go work with their cousin hanging dry wall for $24 to start, union, have $ per $ match on their 401k and fully paid health insurance. Health insurance cost for my place out of pocket cost is $300 per month for a single plan, family plan is over $1000 per month... How.. Is anyone suppose to make a living with this. Terrible pay, No Appreciation, long hours, horrendous benefits, expensive cost in tools. This industry is going down hill and fast!! This industry needs to start coming to time and offering what every other trade has been doing for years!
@@toyotabeast527 everything you said is true with the exception of the hf impact gun. used mine professionally for over 20 years and it still works. my mac and ir failed in less than a year
Im 27, I was a technician for 6 years at Acura. As a car enthusiast, it felt like the right career path at first, but i quickly found out it wasn’t for me. Especially coming in to work everyday and hearing master techs constantly complain about how the industry is changing and not the way it used to be. After an injury on the job earlier this year, I finally had enough and left the field. Now I work for a tech company. Its a whole new experience but couldn’t be happier and proud of myself for leaving that field!
Happy to hear you're finding success. Out of curiosity, did you or any of the younger techs ever consider working at an independent repair shop? Or maybe starting your own business? I know there's upfront costs with starting your own shop, but did working for a small independent shop ever cross your mind and why did you decide it wasn't worth it?
@@Hunter.McKinney i have considered both of those options but some independent shops struggle to make business especially around Holidays (from what I’ve noticed). And As for starting my own business, i plan to do so in a separate field. Lastly, I left the Automotive field because I wasn’t passionate about it anymore. Not to mention its physically demanding work. Plus earlier in the year I broke my hand in the shop so that was the last straw lol
@@thekreativeculture9642 I really appreciate the response! Sorry to hear about your hand :( I'm glad that you're finding something out there that's a better fit because of it though. It's always nice to hear how things are out there from the folks doing the hard work. Wish you the best!
It's good you made a + step to a new career. ✔️ It's annoying to me how auto repair & service places are run in 2022. So many shops, chain places are poorly run, rip offs or scams. There is a huge demand for services, repairs too. My 2005 Ford Crown Victoria LX sedan runs but is far from perfect. It currently has 179500mi.
@@Hunter.McKinney independent shops rarely offer anything in the way of benefits, 401k, health, disability, life insurance. And any tech worth a damn is doing their own thing so you are your own cheapest labor
Several problems no one mentions. Service advisors aren't mechanics. Most don't know anything. They don't diag the vehicle. If you hired an advisor and think they're a tech or a mechanic, you're the problem. Technicians are not mechanics. So if you hire a tech, you aren't getting a mechanic. Hire a mechanic, and you also get a tech. It's like hiring a nurse to perform a surgery. The nurse isn't a doctor. But a doctor is fully qualified to do the nurses job. People don't realize that as a plumber, you work on plumbing, as an electrician, you work on electric stuff, and as a hvac person, that's what you work on, but as a mechanic, you work on all three along with many other areas and have tools to cover it all. And every plumber, electrician, and hvac person I know makes more than I do. School doesn't teach you how to be a mechanic. If anything, school teaches techs how to read a scanner. Most mechanics have a mechanical mind and are the ones who have been working on engines and their own vehicles at young ages. People don't just suddenly get trained and become a mechanic. Quit asking everyone but the mechanics what the issue is. My tools don't pay for themshelves and I have more cost of being a mechanic than almost any other occupation. Talking about labeling people? I hate being called and treated as a grease monkey. Mechanics get treated worse than most other occupations, yet we're expected to make sure you get to work everyday. When's the last time you tipped your mechanic? I doubt you ever have. Yet I don't recall a food worker being required to buy the grille or microwave at their job. It's hard to find a mechanic that is a mechanic and not a fast lane tech. An oil and tire guy isn't a mechanic. Plus so many people are posers and pro liars. People have learned that they have to lie, cheat and stretch a story to make themshelves look good in order to get a job. Many people can say they are mechanic with a straight face not having a clue what it means to be one.
My wife makes more money than me as a waitress, and I’m one of the highest paid techs in our dealer group of 1500. There’s plenty of stuff they can do to make techs life better.
@@realmoiesesb5187 my wife seems to make 120 on a bad night and 200 on a good night. Additionally at least in my province in Canada, min wage isn’t 2$/hr it’s close to 11.
I've been a technician for eight years. When these manufacturers wants to cut costs, they use lesser quality parts and squeeze the cost of labor to the point where break even is barely possible in the flat rate system. The pay rates per job are calculated in ideal situations where nothing every goes wrong, for a example a rusted bolt or nut that just won't loosen without soaking of an anti rust spray or heat. These manufactures and dealerships know exactly what the problem is, but it's like they are covering their own eyes and expecting the everyone not to see either. It is laughable and the problem has hit the fan.
@@robbieraychannel That is what they want. Look at what Audi has been doing a lot time ago. They make basic maintenance require removing the engine from the frame and put on different sized fasteners on the same part just to make it as hard as possible to work on, to drive the price up and make the customer not get the maintenance done so the car becomes damaged prematurely and they have to buy another one. Planned obsolescence is what everyone is going for even in regular consumer electronics.
As a mechanic now I can tell you that pay and lack of training provided by the facilities themselves is making it really hard to make a living in this industry. We still get treated like grease monkeys even though most repairs are electrical or module based not even dealing with grease or dirty parts of the car. I myself am already looking for another opportunity to get out of this industry.
Look into machining. After working almost 20 years as a mechanic I made the switch and would never consider going back to working on a car or anything else. The pay is better and there’s a whole lot less drama
@@bdp-racing Its not as knuckle busting that's about it. However, not all machine shop jobs pay well or are pleasant environments to work. Some people have to work in cnc cells 2 or 3 machines at a time. No air conditioning, no sitting down, no talking. . .some manufacturing is oppressive. Must punch out for lunch. . .Be there standing at your machine when the bell rings. Others are easy going. Today I work in an easy going place bosses are good. but that wasn't always the case. Places differ
It’s even more frustrating when a customer at a BMW dealership has to explain to the head tech what the bad module does, and the basics of Ethernet communication using corporate BMW wiring diagrams printed from home.
@@jamie7664 yep, no lie. That is exactly how bad it can be at dealerships, especially euro in the US, where we are pretty dumb, frankly, what with our 54% of population having a 6th grade reading level!!! yeah for realz!
Not a single interview from an actual mechanic. Solid journalism.
because they know the truth would come out; this allows them to keep pushing the narrative that people are lazy instead of rich people just keep screwing the working class
But they aren't "industry experts" just dumb grease monkeys. This really highlights one of the big reasons people don't want to be mechanics. You have to be smart, learn fast, have 50k in tools and work your butt off just to survive. Yet, it's thankless, low status, low pay, and dangerous.
SUPER underrated comment. Most of the report seemed to lean around dealerships losing profit because of understaffing
It’s CNBC. They are hot garbage all around. Hahaha
Whats happening to auto techs is the same thing that happened to consumer electronic techs a few years back . Poor pay horrible cheap customers on goIng complex systems increasing cost of operating a bussiness to many local bottom feeders passing them selves of as leaders fining zoning regulating plus the global leaders have declared war on citizens mobility in most parts of the world
When I started in this industry in the 70's, mechanics made 50% commission. If the shop charged $30/hr, I made $15/hr. Now shops charge $160 to $180/hr, and top pay is approximately $35/hr. So, after 45 years learning to deal with all of the new systems that come out nearly yearly and many tens of thousands of my own dollars buying tools (every tech buys his own tools). My pay rate has dropped from 50% to around 15%. THAT, gentlemen, is why you have a technician shortage!
Very well said
So true.
Been there, done that. We need to unionize. ASE was created to stop organization by mechanics.
Keep voting Republican. The billionaire CEO's will be fair to you. You can't trust government. It will all trickle down someday. This is all because unions lost their power. Biden is trying to help.
YEP!
there’s no such thing as a labor shortage, it’s always a pay shortage.
Facts, 100% right
Automobile dealerships are extremely profitable for the owners.
That’s true, but inelastic supply - it takes a while to train up new people - is a complicating factor.
I completely disagree with that statement. We're not talking about Building a house or operating a piece of equipment. In order to be successful in this industry you have to be capable of critical thinking. And critical thinking is not something that can be taught.
There is a competency shortage as well..
Not a single mechanic interviewed, just a “marketing researcher”, a “consumer behaviour analyst “ and a dealership owner. The opinion of the actual mechanic is as undervalued as their skill too.
The new way of researching
Right on.
Just goes to show how much the democratic party hates workers.
As a former mechanic, who is ASE certified, I will tell you why I left the automotive industry:
1. Flag time, aka flat rate (i.e. paid for the job). The burden of the ebb and flow in the amount of cars in the shop should not be foisted upon the mechanics. There were many weeks where I worked for 40 hours, but I was only paid for 20. Flat rate also encourages mechanics to cut corners on repairs, just to save a little bit of time.
2. I had to pay for my own tools. Not only was I getting paid terribly, I had to purchase my own tools. I have at least $30k worth of tools.
3. The pay is not commensurate with the amount of knowledge a good mechanic needs to have. In my opinion, this is an engineer-level amount of knowledge. Electronic systems, hydraulic systems, air conditioning/heating systems, internal combustion theory, transmission systems, electric car theory, etc. The amount of knowledge is huge.
4. The benefits were TERRIBLE. Very little 401k match, vacation, bonuses, crappy insurance, etc.
I was a smart mechanic (in my opinion), and I left the business to get a bachelor's and master's degree in science. Now I am a scientist/engineer, making the amount of money I should have made as a mechanic. The industry will continue to hemorrhage good employees until they fix the issues stated above.
Edit: thanks guys for all the feedback, glad my post resonated with so many of you!
Don't forget you can get to the showroom and find a handful of guys making double that of a tech and know far less about the cars than a tech.
Pay is way out of wack in the car biz. 🤦♂️
100% accurate
Someone pin this comment!
Yes same here minus the getting a masters and all that I became a truck driver and make way more money with way less work and little learning having to be done
Former GM World Class Certified Tech here. You hit the nail on the head. Now, I run my own one man transmission shop. I won't go back to the dealership until a lit of changes are made.
I've been a mechanic for 20+ years and I agree with All the this comments . Would've like to see the tech's point of view on this problem instead we get a couple of analysts that have never touched a wrench in their life .
They never want to show the tech's point of view, because then we'll get honest answers. It's always the "analysts" that want to lie and tell you what to think.
I think this is true in other industries, maybe all of them! Lots of people are talking ABOUT technicians, nobody wants to talk TO THEM! I've been noticing this in trade publications for decades. Wages are declining, we call it "Stagnation" !!! Frankly despite all the blab about STEM and RESHORING, we just have to admit that America (in general) hates technical workers, mechanics, laborers, and is very determined to not have staff or to pay them if you do! I tell students (speaking of their potential employers and how they see you) "We used to have slaves, we intend to have robots, but for now we have YOU".
literally any video made BY a auto tech says the same thing, flat rate made them leave, dogshit service managers made them leave, there’s tons of kids that love cars and community colleges run full classes for automotive because they do, those kids just make way more in construction, pipe work, aviation tech
You are absolutely correct! I left the auto tech industry in 2006. Why? Because I for tired of getting paid pennies once I calculated how much time I spent at the shop, and how much "free and almost free" stuff I had to do to just get a measly paycheck. Meanwhile I was working my butt off to get those pennies. Never again!
@@joseCalderon1976 2006 is when I left the industry also. Warranty work is BS and not even guaranteed 40 hrs. Don't forget waiting on part's. The tech made the least amount of money at the dealership upon tool bill's. Went to work with metal's and made 20k plus more a year without a tool bill. The bad was long day's as it was a large company with a lot of work.
I can answer that question easily, its because employers are expecting highly skilled and knowledgable people to accept being paid dirt cheap wages compared to the value they provide. That statement goes for just about every other industry right now as well.
Shhhhh, you're too smart. Don't let them know. Thanks.
No one speaks up is a problem as well
The dealership will Milk them too by saying "be patient with us, give 2yrs changing oil, then 2yrs as an assistant then finally get sent out to get factory training.
Freshly Graduted Tech: Know what, maybe I'll just drive trucks or become a cdl
LOL 80K TO 100K! CHECK THE MEDIAN , THE AVERAGE AND ITS SAY 39-58K A YEAR. 100K IS SO RARE
And as the complexity of new cars goes up, the pay is expected to go up with it
It's the old "I'll spend $100 million in studies and interview random people to find out a problem" instead of giving that money to the employees.
😂😂 Exactly 💯👍
True. They could of learned all of this if they actually cared to listen to their employees' complaints instead of writing them all off as "ungrateful" or "entitled".
Thats our species
Incredible that you were able to have an entire show about auto technicians without interviewing a single auto technician. Great job SMH
Yournelizm.
Lol they know better
If they interviewed some of the technicians I worked with back in the day, they would have to bleep out half the interview.
Because they don't understand mechanics and never want to hear them. They only want to talk to like minded individuals.
Can't do an interview when the rack is full of waiters lol
1) 100k in tools
2) flat rate pay
3) low benefits
4) lots of hours with no appreciation
5) easier jobs pay more
You got that right on all 5 points
Got that right
Dropped out of auto tech classes when I found this out. I'm a Building Maintenance Technician now, only high-school required and I make $50k/yr, tools and uniform provided, 401k, dental and health, 3 weeks of vacation, weekends off and 6am-2:30pm Mon-Fri.
There are better options unfortunately. I do love working on cars but there is no incentive to do it professionally.
I made a offer back in the 90s for just transmission repair. 1/2 the book labor rate or minimum wage for slow weeks(optional).
The parts profit was the shops.
Come backs was my pay for any problem. Or just go for 1099 employment.
I knew how to take a transmission out and take it apart, clean it and put it back in and it would run right on the 1st try. Also had the tools.
For RWD that is a 8 hour job. At today's rate that would be $70 and hour. FWD that is 16 hours. 4WD/AWD that is 20 hours.
I went to a warehouse instead and worked there instead. Driving a fork lift. For more than what the shop offered.
I moved back to Michigan from CA.
One of my friends had a heart attack and I did his labor 5 hours a day and Saturday.
Worked in another warehouse afternoons after that during week days.
Until he got well enough.
No pay. He had child support to pay off.
@@alexr62that’s why I went aircraft maintenance tech, pays higher, no flat rate BS, downside? Spent 4yr in the Air Force to gain experience and get my certificate because I can’t afford to go to school 😂
I’ve been turning wrenches for 25 years. You could’ve seen this coming from a mile away. Owners hiring business consultants that tell them the technicians need to have 100% productivity, while simultaneously keeping pay stagnant. You used to have techs helping each other, now they’re all competition. If you want to attract technicians, you got to pay more. How can you expect a mechanic to buy tens of thousands in tools, while barely making more than a fast food worker.
Hello how are you doing.
Crazy when I see my manager from Burger King more than I do as a technician meanwhile she been there for only 2 years and really does nothing all day except make sandwiches and bag food meanwhile I turn wrenches all day everyday for 10-11 hours a day getting in the most random position that are in no way good for the body and they want me to stay there and try to make it seem like the best thing in the world. 😐
It's crazy, isn't it? and yet they act like the pay vs knowledge required to diagnose and repair cars is acceptable and turn a blind eye to it all...
For instance. This video. Plenty of technicians speaking up about the problem in the comments... but yet we got this manager in charge that seems to think he can hire anybody to be a service advisor and pay them better than the technicians that spent years honing their skill.
@@xae7816I know someone that works in a horse stable that makes more money than the average technician just mucking stalls and doing regular around the barn chores
less know in cali mac dees have to pay premium now
15 years ago i was a auto tech, every year i saw the owner open a new dealership. After 6 years of working for the guy i asked for ONE raise and managers reply was 'its not in the budget' the next day i put in my resignation and when i was asked why my reply was 'its in the budget for the owner to keep opening more and more dealerships but there no room for a $1 dollar raise'. They tried there best to keep me but i left and it was the best thing i did. I'll never go back to dealerships or this trade, the owners are beyond greedy.
That was Bad
They sure talk about the techs a lot without having a tech actually weigh in on this issue
Exactly
Yeah interview the boots on the grounds!! Idiots
👏
Why would they do that, than they would get the real answer lol.
Way back in the late 70’s all I heard was that there was a shortage of aviation mechanics. I saved up and spent the money on the 2 years of mandatory schooling and got a job as an aircraft mechanic. What I found out was that there wasn’t a shortage of mechanics, there was a shortage of mechanics that would work for low wages, poor benefits, and 24/7 mandatory shift work.
SO TRUE, I am an A&P, IA. I can't afford to work on aircraft full time, with the personal liability attached, and risk of night shift induced errors and omissions.
Same for X-ray technicians & respiratory therapy
@@everythingisfine9988 at least with Radiologic Technologists we have a way out...i.e. CT, MRI, Interventional, etc.
@@backcountrynomad5109 I've noticed. I wish the government's data from occupational outlook was more accurate. It's such a gamble choosing what career to get into right out of high school. ~Is your profession in high demand or not? How in the hell is an 18-year-old supposed to know this?
@@everythingisfine9988 Healthcare professionals are always in demand. Many RN's, surgical techs, CT techs, xray techs have left the hospital and are working as travel employees making 3-4x more then theu did at the hospital.
"We want to pay slave wages and can't find anybody" - Employers
Yep takes about an hour just to replace a headlight bulb after removing the whole front end off a vehicle.
Yep. Honda wanted me to be mechanic and porter for 13 an hr
?? Almost all the dealer techs I've worked with made over $100,000yr easy don't get me wrong it can be stressful
@Jerry Boden pay for school? I got paid to go to school 😂 and that's funny 80k is insane to be a tech
Flag pay is just slavery with extra steps, especially if they force you off hourly.
The fact that the journalists working on this story did not interview even one auto mechanic, tells volumes. The fact of the matter is that auto mechanics are treated like garbage and severely underpaid by dealerships and auto repair shops. The culture is so broken. Imagine, journalists doing a story about auto mechanic shortage in the economy, and not even include at least one interview with an experienced auto mechanic.
*Just people who never worked a day in their comfortable lives in this industry moving their gums, as if their opinion matters.* 😅
Ahh yes. Interview the people who create the issue instead of technicians who have an ACTUAL perspective.
This comment is bussin
That’s what I was thinking the whole time watching the video
I find they always do this so they can broadcast a self serving message. Rather than pay people what they are worth, they will talk in circles avoiding the obvious.
@Mike Romano Amen brother I was saying that the whole time.
The dude talking about flat rate BUT they potentially can make a lot of money 🥴 yeah "potentially". Failure to mention the idiosyncrasies like cherry picking the jobs they dispatch technicians. Service writers pushing jobs that benefit them in commissions but not the tech, or the fact that the higher up the pay scale you climb, the less gravy work you get. As dealerships would rather give the job to the guy under you who will do it just the same, but he makes 3-4 dollars less an hour. 🤷♂️ the industry has its short comings, but can also be rewarding if you plan accordingly.
Treat technicians as white collar jobs. Pay them a salary, give them benefits, make sure their work environment is optimal. It’s not that difficult. A technician should make more than a fast food worker.
ABSOLUTELY
Yep, I wouldnt be afraid to get my truck serviced at a dealership if I knew the techs were actual techs who had skill and got paid well for that skill.
When a guy just starting out and changing oil and brakes is only $10 or $15 an hour under the guy who is a total whizz at figuring out the complex communication, emissions, and fuel control system problems in modern cars, there is a problem.
At the same time, the industry wants the vehicles serviced poorly. Once the complex systems act up then they want the owner frustrated into another car.
This right here, no way in hell should I as a tech (for Monro) have to carry serious liability while not even 15 ft away the bobevans is hiring for $15 (I make less than that)
A technician should make nearly as much as a doctor
@@colestaples2010In the 80's I would have laughed at this idea. Today though? Absolutely. And anyone who disagrees is kidding themselves.
The human body of the 1980's has precisely the same organs and fundamental structures as today, and the last several hundred thousand years. The car of today is a completely different beast from the 80s
Biological evolution is a slow process ensuring the knowledge we win from it has a long shelf life. Synthetic evolution in technology has been breakneck to the point that in the last three decades automechanics have had to fundamentally change their approach several times as more technology enters the equation - like new vital organs spontaneously emerging.
My dad was an old school mechanic but I was discouraged from entering the industry. Ended up working on medical equipment where the pay is better and the work is actually appreciated.
Your dad is a smart man and so are you for listening
Your dad truly loved you.
@@454bard ...what?? lol bpppth. fkin weirdo.
Yup, mine as well. Taught me a lot of what he knew but he looked out for me and im about to be a nurse practicioner. No complaints and grateful for his wisdom
My old man was an auto mechanic when I was a kid he changed careers thankfully. Now he does it on the side and knows how to work on our cars. I, on the other hand, am in HVAC
Journalism 101: let’s make a video on why there’s a mechanic shortage but let’s not interview mechanics
They couldn't find any, the shortage is that bad!!!
Pay a living wage. Don't ask for 20 years experience and only want's to pay them $15 an hour.
And I'll only paid you if we have work ... totally bull
I saw a job ad for Mobile Mechanic. Read futher and it stated: Must have own tools. Must have own truck and phone. Who are they kidding? If I had all that I would just go independent without a middleman or broker.
I am a computer programmer, I fix my own cars usually because it's just insane how much mechanic shops charge. I bought a 2014 Mercedes e350 brand new, my wife drives a 2016 Porsche Cayenne, and I have since replaced the spark plugs/ ignition coils, brakes, and changed the oil/ filters on both those cars. They wanted $500 per service, when the parts only cost $100 online. When the start/stop system started making the car sputter at low rpm, I replaced the ignition coils/spark plugs for $300 in parts for 4 hours when the dealership wanted $2k! The parts usually costs only 15% of what the dealership quote me here in Washington. It's just slightly more complicated than doing home repairs/renovations in my opinion.
@@designexplainedllc346 But shops also have lots of overhead. That's why they charge so much.
@@designexplainedllc346 Worst part about that is there are some things that you cant get around needing a Dealer only diagnostic tool or some nonsense like that. Luckily my Merc was made in the 80's and I don't have that issue.
There is never a shortage of workers, in this case mechanics. There is a shortage of salary. Pay people what they are worth, and you will always have a full staff.
@The Shah of Iran Raise pilot pay to $400k, $500k, or whatever it takes and the airline will not have a problem in recruitment and retention. It is how competition works. Assuming there is actually an employee shortage, that is even more reason to pay well so your company is not hurting for talent.
@@gusasiu I agree with you. As a automotive tech and welder, I could fill a shop with A-level talent in both fields, just the owner would have to come off their wallet to get it. I also believe the term “competitive pay” is misleading. That’s a fancy way of saying we’re doing the same thing as everybody else and when they get the same results as everybody else, they wonder why.
Easy
Thank you. This was said so well. It’s not that hard bro just pay them a higher wage
Exactly
Thirty years of being a mechanic here. Being a "technician" at a dealer is a losing game, especially since the manufacturers create the labor times the flat rate system is based upon. They never take into account that metal corrodes. The engineers and designers who create these vehicles, and who make two or three times the people who have to fix those vehicles, have no clue what it's like to fix their f*#$ups. If a "technician" gets stuck doing warranty work at a dealer... May as well go and apply for welfare benefits. Fleets and independent shops (if you can find a good one) are where it's at. Want to solve the "technician" problem? Pull some of those engineers away from their desks and make them work on their creations in the repair bay for a year. The flat rate system has to go as well. Customers don't help much either. Mechanics are automatically thought of as crooks by those customers who expect Wal-Mart prices for decades of knowledge and experience.
I agree 100% with your proposal. Design engineers should have to pull wrenches, work grease guns, thread bolts into tight, hot spaces, etc. They can't teach that stuff in school.
MSME, Georgia Tech, 1990
it took you 30 years to become cynical?
@@billmoyer3254 I was born cynical. I just show more of it the older I get :)
@@robw9435 There should be cross training in both directions and I understand why a lot of vehicles are made the way they are (cost, assembly line stuff etc.) but, as I'm sure you're well aware, some things just leave me scratching my head. Some things make ya wonder if the engineering departments ever talk to one another.
I’m a weekend warrior and this is my frustration with fixing these newer vehicles
Why not interview a mechanic rather than this corporate snobs?
as a full time mechanic and independent shop owner, I can confidently say that its not the shortage of techs, its the shortage of pay. This job requires constant training, car companies are constantly changing technology in vehicles, on top of the fact that each job has to be done with care, precision and no room for error, as well as spending tens of thousands on tools, and performing a job that takes a toll on the body. all for a median salary of 45k. dealerships and manufacturers struggle to make profit and their way around it is to take advantage of the techs.
Facts
100%. I'm so glad that so many in these comments see what's going on.
45k isn't worth it for such a highly skilled job.
engineers, hate mechanics.
I agree with u.
Not to mention and I found it out first hand, if you want to do anything other than be a lube or tire tech you're required to get brand specific training which costs a minimum of six figures.
I tried to go through the ford asset program and found out that even if I could have put every cent I earned into paying off the school loan I would have been paying it off for the next 15 years, that and the fact that pay scale was conditional to my scores during training and I calculated how long it would take assuming I got perfect scores through the whole course, by my math that means even if I could take up to half of each paycheck I would have been a debt slave for the next 30+ years, still be tens of years away from retirement, only just be able to afford to do anything for myself let alone a family and I would be in my 50s at a minimum
People don't like mechanics. Treat them like trash. Closed my shop after 3 years. The last straw was we saved a family friend $2000 over a dealership repair. She left us a 3 star review on our Google page because it took 3 days longer than expected. The dealer sent 1 small incorrect part that had to be re ordered. That wasn't our fault!
Is that a prime reason to close your shop? Sh1tty people are everywhere, try being a nurse or (in my case) a college professor. If someone gets an F for the course, it is always MY fault and the internet is a good place for them to vent. I am still in the profession because I like to work with people who DO appreciate me. And there are plenty of good customers too.
Shallow people dont care about your difficuties. They only care about themselves.
Finding a good mechanic is like a miracle. I think I found one. Balance of Cost and Guarantee. Repairs done right the first time. Lets Go Brandon
Same here. Pulled an all nighter to put a transmission in so they could have their car for the weekend then they claimed they forgot their checkbook. I told them to pay when they got back from vacation and never heard from them again. I used to go out of my way to help everyone I could but after that I sold almost all of my tools on eBay and haven’t worked on anyone’s car since then.
You got to have thick skin, that's for sure. Communication is also very, very, important.
The fact you have to buy your own tools in a job that on the low end is making what someone at Walmart makes is actually insane to me
After reading through the comments obvious patterns start to emerge. Mechanics are seen as janitors while doing an engineers job. Good o'l American capitalism. 👍
@@Halcon_Sierreno blame capitalism yeah ok bud 😂😂
When I got a job at a shop (I’m not in the industry anymore for right now), I left a job at Walmart overnight stocking for $14.50/hr and got paid $10.50 an hour as a lube tech. That was a probationary period, not sure how much I made after bc I left either right before the raise or right after, but I’d guess I probably would have been raised to $12/12.50.
BINGO!
@@jtrooper5771 Shop owners cut salaries to increase profits. The burden is passed on to the worker. It's a brand of capitalism.
Mean while, we have the sales team making 200k - 1 mil a year, bragging about how hard they worked.
I was a tech for 10 years. When I started, dealership labor rates in my area were around $110, by the time I left they hovered around $180 while tech pay was stagnant. I actually loved being a tech but the pay was no longer worth it.
Shhhhh, don't let them know.
The dealerships are billing their customers 5x to 10x what they actually pay their mechanics to do all the work.. Healthcare industry is even worse.. There they bill everything at 50x to 100x what the labor costs. Now they cry woeist me, "can't get mechanics". "Can't get nurses". (Despite laying off nurses in droves over the unconstitutional mandates. 10s of thousands in New York alone)... everybody who works in this industries for these evil abusive companies needs to put their foot down and PERMANENTLY REFUSE to work for them. Do so until the do nothing leeches are forced to shut down. Go off on your own and make 5x the money.
@@billbyrd1361 the reverse of this,is without a service department,there 's no franchise,in other words they have to close the doors,if you sell a new car truck,it has to be serviced there or within 50 miles of the purchase,sooner or later,dealership owners will have to go back to 50% commission,i worked commission all my career,i also found out,that you have to specialize,i did two,a/c and transmission rebuilding,as i wanted top pay
@@strattuner No need for the rip off sales commission either. Just order your vehicle online exactly how you want it and have it delivered without all the games. The American people would be far better off without the ripoff hospitals and car dealerships. And the best healthcare plan is a plane ticket to another country. Let the whole corrupt house of cards collapse under its own weight.. As far as repairs and service goes there are more then enough honest small business owners to handle the demand..
@@billbyrd1361 "...Go off on your own and make 5x the money." I'm just saying it worked for me. So far 5x is an exaggeration compared to top techs at new-car dealerships and top indies, but it is better from purely from an income standpoint. A central significant point, that affects my customers, is that I take the time I want to, to take care of the vehicle the way I want to, to take care of my customer the way I want to. I have no boss to pressure me into cutting corners.
You gotta love the fact they didn’t interview a actual Technician. I was a dealership tech for 25yrs. The job got worse every year I got out in 2015 & wish I did earlier.
I was a dealer tech fof 17 years did the flat rate thing, sometimes you made good money but the majority of the time you had to kick, scratch and bite to get any extra time especially on warranty repairs. You stories on the repairs done (always had the 3 C's, concern,cause, correction) were constantly scrutinized by service management, you didn't dot this i, cross that t, punch time isn't correct or you didn't punch off or on properly for the additional repairs needed. We can't pay for that or my fav was your punch time wasn't long enough so you'll be paid for your straight time, especially with warranty repairs. Penalized for beating the posted labor time. Especially when had a warranty clerk who didn't know her ass from a hole in the ground. Parts inventories were severely reduced, you couldn't parts needed to finish the job in a timely matter. E.G. a 2 hour job took 3 days because you had to wait for parts, before you know it you have 4 or 5 jobs delayed because of parts. Then the service writers won't give you anymore jobs because of those delays. You might be standing around for awhile and your lift was tied up if needed you could put a jack under it a push it out, then do the same and push it back in when the parts needed finally showed up.. Then you called into the service manager's office and he or she tells you your not flagging enough hours and have to step up, when you tell them its because of the parts situation it falls on deaf ears. It there's a warranty description you have to "do battle" with both your service manager and the Factory service rep for the particular repair and why the additional time was needed. Your were out there by yourself and get 0 support from management. Then you get your cut throat techs who would stab in the back to steal a job from you and management doesn't care. Then they hire "apprentices" to train under the Vets which in turn your either training your replacement or they get all the good paying jobs and the Vets are stuck with the crap jobs that don't pay ,waste more time then anything. You get the weak service writers who are scared of their shadows complain that were not working hard enough because they are making enough money and refuse to sell work or are afraid too. Sorry don't mean to vent, but it can go on forever.
@@michaelmurphy6869hello how are you doing
THEY own the mainstream media
Did you see any females being interviewed?
I worked at a Toyota dealership and the pay for a service tech was $25 an hour at flat rate and you had to really bust you butt to get that flat rate pay. Went to an industrial mechanic sit on my butt all day work maybe 2 hours out of 8 and make $36.50 …. And i’m not frustrated all the time trying to get in tight spots and tight bolts.
But what do you do now @ChrisPBacon-kx4jd???? I’ve been a mechanic for 8 years now. It’s getting bad because of management.
20 years experience here, and I can say there is a shortage of mechanics willing to work for free. My dealership charges $200+ an hour and I don't even make 25% of it. I'm changing career and becoming a welder.
Took you 20 years to find out
I'm working in a 3 bay gas station and making 30% of the labor rate and we have different tiers depending on age of car or if it's diag work. Need a little steadier work flow but I do have a decent guarantee. The least I make for a billed hour is 42.18 the most 65.09.
I mostly need to train my boss to actually use the correct labor rate from the jump. It's coming along but he forgets sometimes.
last time I paid for mechanic shop, was charged. $200+ to put on new heater hose and bleed the system. took them 36 mins from start to finish. 🤡 never again. never again I'll buy a Subaru too
100% agree. They treat us like tools and now the chickens are coming home to roost. Have fun selling cars with no service dept.
Welder, that's just as bad or worse. Welders are in and out of work as the economy booms and goes into recessions. seen it in the 80's. Plumber--- you will be paid more and it doesn't dip with the economy. Its harder though.
I worked at a dealer, and it was the lowest paying job I've ever had. Flag hours are a scam
As a Ford technician. I’d say the main reason I second guess my career is due to poor pay from flat rate times and warranty pay. Working as an auto tech is a very daunting and we should be paid accordingly.
TBH I didn't know until seeing this video that mechanics were paid that way. I figured they were just hourly whether the shop had customers or not.
Open your own shop. All you need is a two-bay shop and you'll be overrun with work in six months.
@@mrcead You must of bumped your head. Do you understand that shops are charging $120 per hour for labor and holding cars hostage for almost a week. Imagine how much money you could make in a three bay shop doing "fast lane" repairs in three days? There is a guy on TH-cam that showed exactly how easy it was for him to open his shop with only five years experience as a mechanic doing just that. He already had many of the tools and equipment he needed. What he didn't have, he purchased as he went. My advice to all is to stop working hard to make someone else rich and start working harder to make yourself rich. Because at the end of the day, their is not enough meat on the bone to make the company that you work for rich as well as yourself.
I'm an ex mechanic and I could type up a whole book on why... So I'll just keep it short. These dealershits and repair shops demand skilled techs then underpay and abuse them. For the amount of skills you need to require, the stress, wear and tear physically and mentally, and constant learning required as technology changes.... It just isn't worth it. The job gets more demanding by the year and they pay you garbage money.
Also one major factor is the physical aspect of the job.
After so many years your hurting. Body aches. Racking vehicles , bending over, twisting. And more. Then when it’s 105 degrees outside and the shop inside is 105 also. Your sweating so bad. All you have is a fan. Same with winter time. Then you go into parts or the service department and it’s nice and cool with air conditioning. The advisors are clean and make twice what you do sitting around complaining it’s to hot out. Unless your an Auto tech for even a month you will never understand what we all go through.
LOL dealershits I love that one!!! gonna use it from now on.
where did you move onto afterward? i want to be involved in the auto industry but not by being a tech
Hello Howard you doing. Can we be friends
@@Aaron-or6ovhello how are you doing. Can we be friends
I work as a technician and the secretary is paid better than me.
That's like saying the nurse making more $ than the surgeon
More like the janitor being paid more than the surgeon
It would still be the secretary making more than the doctor, though, the problem isn't that the secretary is making more than you, is that you are not being paid the same as him/her, as a minimum.
The white collar/blue collar divide is killing the economy. And at this point all that divide means is is the job clean or dirty. Clean jobs are seen as higher status and so pay more, while dirty jobs are lower status and so pay less.
I know people with no job, living with parents in their 20s because they are unwilling to work a dirty job because that is not success.
Lol
That is a common problem. Alot of people in this world wanting to be the middle man, take a piece of the pie without doing the actual job that's getting billed.
No Career Path, You Work Long Hours, No Benefits, No Health Insurance, No Union, No 401K and they Wonder WHy Young People are Not Going Into the Trades?
I see Why Young People Are Not going Into the Trades..
I’ve been a mechanic for over 40 years, and I haven’t seen any lifelong mechanics that didn’t have bad back and bad knees. It’s a hard job it requires a lot of knowledge and a lot of money spent on tools and training. The industry just does not pay people enough. I have been lucky enough to make some good financial decisions and I retired at 51 with broken body.
With a broken body? How are feeling in general day to day?
@@gigiesparza396
He probably feels like crap, physically. Bad knees, back, shoulders, etc. It’s heavy work in weird angles, in hot/cold weather…. I’ve never done it but I worked as a service advisor for a few weeks and I’m so happy I didn’t take their offer to become a quick lane guy. Hell no I didn’t wanna do oil changes and other quick jobs with hopes of turning into one of the grumpy ass miserable mechanics like the old guys at that shop.
Damn - a mechanic since age 11. Incredible
@@WhiteCheddar. haha. Close but not since 11. However just because I’m retired doesn’t mean I’m not still a mechanic, I just don’t work a full time job. Now it’s just a hobby 👍🏼 But I did start working in a garage at age 14and now at 57 yes over 40 years. I love it , always have and always will. I bet you I dreamed about being a mechanic before I was 11.
@@gigiesparza396 I have my good and bad days. Try to focus my personal health. I know part of it just comes with age but I also know a big part of it comes from the job, the chemicals, the weather in the Northeast. But I wouldn’t change much, probably would’ve learned how to deal with stress better. Stress is a real killer!
Way to go on making a story about the shortage of auto technicians and service providers where not one auto technician or mechanic or advisor is interviewed.
I was thinking the same thing.
They don’t want to hear the truth.
We would tell no one to do this it's not a good job
Certainly you didn’t expect a highly-compensated knowledge worker to personally interact with a mere…peasant….did you? Heavens forfend!
Dammmnn u are so right, I’m auto technician I might be end switching my job.
This video BARELY touched on the fact the fact that techs need to purchase thier own tools and that they are not getting any cheaper. There are also new tools they constantly need to purchase for newer model cars. As a result, some techs are constantly in debt with the larger name tool trucks if they don't shop smart.
Agreed. The other factor with owning tools is storage. I can't buy some tools if I have no place to keep them safe and stored properly.
This is a huge factor, especially with modern cars that require increasingly more expensive diagnostics equipment to communicate with all the computers. A scan tool can cost thousands of dollars, and you will likely need multiple ones depending on car make, subsystem, age, etc.
@@iguanamoat Scan tools should be bought by the shop and if you are an independent shop you should probably have the factory tool for your top three brands you service. The shop should also have a subscription to factory websites for the same. Sure you can program a lot of brands with a J2534 box but you also increase the chance you brick that new module by accident.
I am surprised to learn that the dealer shops do not even provide the tools. Literally, the dealers just provide a workspace, technicians are making $200/h, but pay 90% to “rent” the workspace, and only keep 10% themselves???
I work on the front side of the dealer. In a small city, our dealership sells less than 100 vehicles a month. Our GM made in 2021 $450k in one year. How did I find out? I found his W2 while detailing his car 😂
'Deep generational shift'? Long days, work every weekend, low pay, huge tool bills, unrealistic flat rate times, unpaid diagnostics, little to no vacation, no sick leave, 30 minute lunch break, and very little, if any, respect for the profession. Sound too good to be true? Don't worry, it'll wreak havoc on your body too. If you're lucky you'll get to experience having some of those hard earned tools stolen as well. 10 years, $30,000, tech school tuition, and a huge pile of certs was enough punishment for me. Glad there's a shortage. The entire industry needs an overhaul. It's past time for technicians to get PAID.
As a 40+ year master auto technician and consultant, I know that this problem can easily be solved by paying auto technicians what they're worth. For what you need to know (electrical, computer, programming, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic), and what you need to have ($10k- $30K+ in tools - easily!), they don't get paid squat. Take their avg pay of $30-$50 hr. for having all of these skills and tools, and compare to, lets say a plumber, who can make $100+hr, with a fraction of tool costs, and a fraction of the required knowledge required for their field, in comparison to an auto tech. THAT'S a problem folks!!
I’m saving this comment you nailed it on the head . Very well put .
Problem is ain’t no one ever paying 30-50 and hour. I left the industry. Had a AA EVERY ASE besides L1 and did everything. Couldn’t get more than 16$ our trans guy was only making 22$!!!!!
Exactly name another carrier that requires you buy $50k in tools
lol
@@ericrotermund1004 I stated $10k-$30K that a professional auto technician will spend on their personal tools. So I don't understand your $50K in tools question.???
@@krga94cAs a plumber myself, you’re mistaken if you think a master or journeyman plumbers spend less than $10K on tools. A pro press gun alone can run you $2-3K. Never mind actual snakes, hydro jetters, cameras, locators, liners, etc. I know you didn’t mean malice but it’s just a bit arrogant to put other trades down to lift auto mechanics up as if plumbers aren’t mechanics in their own right with extensive schooling as well to learn about DWV, Gas, welding, and that’s not including HVAC, Pipefitting, steam fitters, etc. I’d also argue that Plumbing as a whole is a lot more important to society than being an auto mechanic so we rightfully get paid more.
8 years ago, I remember working as a entry level mechanic at a dealership. A customer paid $550 for a rear brake job on a SUV. I got paid .9 hour from that work order. My flat rate was $14/hr. It really opened my eyes as to how that industry is. I only worked there for 4 months. I’ve change my profession since.
just curious - what do you do now? & are you happy with your new proffesion? cheers
I know, bro. They treated us like grease monkeys.
@@mrdol I am in law enforcement now. I am pretty happy with my decision. It's nice to know that I'll have a decent pension after a 20 year career. I also have a pretty clear career progression and good benefits.
@@man_of_culture5558 cool! happy for you. all the best
@Karl with a K I think it’s a lot more than teaching critical thinking skills lol. If you pay your employees what they are actually worth, you’ll keep them for longer.
As mechanic, I put up with long hours, overtime, less pay, 6 days a week, 11 hours a day, skip lunch, kept my mouth shut even when manager stole money daily, even knowing my checks is always $300 short, I always prayed the lord to get me out of that situation. One day an evil customer just started ratting on me, yelling shouting very violent wouldn’t stop for long time saying he was ripped off when I had no idea.for no reason it’s about,manager didn’t do anything at all. So I walked out w my tools left the job. I felt better I did that. You see lord has a way
You really shouldve reported wage theft
Gettin ready to load my box on a trailer and get out myself new career otw can’t wait
@@xae7816 Same bro. I got panic attacks due to the stress at the job so i quit and now i look out for my health first. NGL it could be hard to transition to a new type of career, already in the journey to find something else, good luck and let the wage gods look after you!
@@DemonOfCybertronsame bro
I feel ya guys been with gm since 2008 back then mostly doing maintenance/lube. I’m a master tech almost world class. I have been keeping my out eye for other options I’m still young 36. Looking for a city/government job. Hang on there fellas we are some resilient tough dudes.
Left the auto industry in 1977 to join the IUOE Local 12 apprenticeship program as a heavy equipment repairman ,never looked back
If your blue collar the union is the only one looking out for you.
NOT ONE TECHNICIAN was interviewed for this story!!! Nobody asked former techs why they are leaving the industry. EVERY dealership owner I worked for stated that all they want to do is SELL cars.
My son got a degree in I.T. His FIRST job paid more yearly salary than I EVER made in my 40 year career!!
Poor pay, lack of benefits, poor working conditions, giving our time/expertise away for free (free inspections) all while being told to work faster equals people leaving.
you sound like a ford tech.
As a former diesel mechanic, I got hurt during the job and I was a month on leave without any pay. That being, being a mechanic is a dangerous job believe it or not. We make contact with auto fluids that is detrimental to our skin, we risk picking up heavy objects repetitively, we work in extreme hot conditions, we’re constantly breathing in toxins, and we risk de-gloving our hands. All these for a lousy 15 the hour and no health benefits. Way to go America! Way to lose the workers who keep America moving
Seems your choosing to ignore osha and your own safety. Wear gloves but I forgot that only girls wear those right? Safety in that industry is just for girls right?
@@jayroberts2555 clearly you’ve never worked at a shop. If you did, you’ll see the risks of being a mechanic regardless of protection.
@@jayroberts2555 no it’s more like many shop managers don’t provide gloves and masks even though they are required to. My manager refuses to even though he was told by corporate he’s suppose to. Gets expensive buying your own protective gear but I still do
@Sid The sloth sadly it’s not at a lot of shops. Yes some are paying $22 which isn’t much better when techs were making more than that 20 years ago lol
@Sid The sloth ya there some around my area that pay $20 to $ 25 for fleet but I’ve also seen some that only pay $16. I know fleet and working for the city is only decent automotive jobs.
As a mechanic, I have to say this is pretty accurate. I’ve been in this field for 13 years, and it’s the only thing I’ve ever done. It’s just been in the last year where I found a job that fills all the needs of pay, healthcare benefits, and retirement package(s). Most mechanic jobs don’t meet all 3.
For example: I had a job with decent pay and had healthcare benefits, but they wanted HALF of my monthly take home pay as a premium to cover my wife and 2 kids. Plus a $10k max out of pocket and $2000 deductibles.
Most people don’t know that mechanics supply 90% of the tools needed to to the job. I currently have no less than $30k invested in my tooling and in this industry that’s not a lot. I’ve known mechanics to have $100k worth of tools.
I think I have found my forever shop now. Last year I made $82k. I pay $0 premium for my PPO healthcare, $0 deductible that covers my 3 kids and wife. I have a pension, stock options, and a 401k. I have 3 weeks vacation and 7 sick days every year. It really is the BEST combination of pay and benefits for a mechanic and it’s the standard that the industry will have to meet it attract and retain quality mechanics.
There are good places out there but I'd still never advise someone to get into the work. I clear about 80k before taxes working on planes. Took years of working weekends, coming in on OT whenever an issue happened, and dealing with low pay. Happy to be where I'm at because office work is not all it's chopped up to be.
The people who know how hard it is pay properly. You need a mixture of book smart and hands on smart people to handle the variety of problems that come up.
Where do you work
Sounds like a municipal fleet job
Good for you! I hope your job outlasts your kids needs for college tuition!
Stock options? As a mechanic? Get outta town....I don't believe you.....unless you work for Tesla.
How about you pay technicians more? They're charging $150 to $200 an hour for labor and only paying the technicians $25 to $30 an hour.
That’s perfect pay .. for yall .
With 38 years in the automotive trade, 29 years are with dealers I would never consider going back into that ever again. Dealer managers and owners are all about greed, the flat rate system only creates conflict and hate, in fact I am surprised there isn't a workplace shooting every week. My advice to the younger generation, there are much better ways to make a living.
Right on bro... Mickey Ds, bar back, Petco employee, all way preferable to shiester-ass mechanic.
Amen, Brother.
all this tells me(which I already knew) is that they treat their workers like crap
specially with that turn over rate
I worked for Chrysler for 17 Years as a master tech and the Owner actually told the technicians at one meeting that he is in THE CAR SELLING BUSINESS. not repair business and wish we were all gone.....One year later I opened my own shop and that was 20 years ago.
@@jetblair how did you start your own business? How’s it going now?
12 year mechanic here, here’s my take:
1. Lack of appreciation from management.
2. Flat rate is robbery no matter what way you slice it, whether you’re a great mechanic or not. Pay should be consistent and systematic. Like…. Idk… the majority of places.
3. Stop treating us as profit. Each person has a value more than how “fast” and how proficient they work to bring in money. Just because they don’t hit their usually ridiculous incentive amount doesn’t mean they should be in the hot seat.
4. Subsidize how much we *have* to pay for tools. I look at my $40k worth of tools with discontent cause of the years that I had to pay for tools.
These are just a few reasons why nobody wants to be a mechanic, or stay a mechanic
Dang could probably start your own one man shop with that much in tools.
@@TheStrafendestroy have you seen price for mechanic tools… you get 6 wrenches at $300 from snap on
@@AutomotiveDysfunction nobody has to buy luxury tool brands like snapo
@@TheStrafendestroy A shop is more of a burden, think tools, equipment, subscriptions to information, building lease.
@@AutomotiveDysfunction he said he already had the tools I would think 40k would br enough I've seen people do it with far less working from their garage at home.
Get an associates degree, invest 10k in tools, make mid 50-60k after 4-5 years experience, get yelled at for things out of your control, get micromanaged, get injured, develop back problems all before 40 years. Then be out of a job because the mechanic can’t meet the physical demands. Same with construction work. It’s a great short term career. If you are young, good with your hands, do it for 10-15 years, but then have a plan B. Take classes on your spare time or receive training to go beyond being a technician. Good luck out there. Go make that money, get dirty, but always always plan for the future.
Wisdom
Yes sir. This applies to all industries however. It's not how much you make, it's what you do with what you make
I've been hearing about the "tech shortage" ever since I got into the business in the mid 90s. Common sense says if there's a shortage, pay should go up but they've been avoiding that solution. They would rather run the business into the ground and complain that "no one wants to work" than pay what it's worth.
So I see you have dealership expierience. Ive been at GM 15 years...more training for less money is the game. And while picking on manufacturers, dare i mention constantly declining warranty repair rates? In my humble opinion, the service department keeps the doors open, but in this screwed up existance the more dishonest you are the more you make...that completely contradicts what the techs role is. Its truly sickening to see what this has turned into
As a young person who went to school for auto mechanics, I found a job servicing forklifts making more money, better benefits, and no flat rate pay. Gotta say I don't see myself ever going into automotive service as the industry stands today.
You know I might just work on forklifts at this point and time. Sounds like fun to me.
Fleet, diesel, installers for many etc. So many so much than flat rate dealerships.
I worked in the restaurant business for 15 years. Then I left it for a machine operator at a Darnel warehouse, making a lot more money with better hours than in the restaurants business. In the restaurant business, I had no life, worked from open to close. Then go back the very next morning. I got sick of it. Now at Darnel I work from 7am to 5pm, 4 days a week.
Forklifting is way better than being a car mechanic in this Day and age
I'm young as well, left the transportation repair industry for industrial machinery repair. Easy work, it's hourly pay, making double what I did before. Good retirement and benefits too
I was paid $15 an hour at a Ford dealership (as a Master Automotive Technician) while they charge $100 an hour to the customer. See the problem?
bro where are you working 😭
Used to charge people $200 an hr for IT. So I could make $20 hr. There is such a dispensary between the money invested in businesses vs individuals it's amazing that the average person can get anything done.
And we are the ones that supply the tens of thousands of dollars worth of tools
I worked as a certified mechanic for Nissan 3 years and Toyota 4 years and I was getting payed same as you. Thank GOD I walked out from this demonic carrier. They always were overworking technicians, always ""accidently"" underpaying us, always yelled at for not upselling blinker fluids for $500 or coolant flush on a car that has less than 10,000 miles.
WTF I worked at a Mercedes-Benz dealership their master tech made double that!
I delivered to this dealership when I worked for FedEx. While I usually just delivered and left, sometimes I’d talk to the techs when there was a rare car in for service. One conversation that sticks out to me was when they got a gt40. I was talking to a technician about how it was going, and by the end of it he was asking me if we were hiring. It wasn’t just this one interaction either. Every conversation I had with a technician always soured. Overworked, underpaid and the physical toll it takes on your body is unprecedented. This dealership was always slammed too. Felt bad for those guys.
That sucks. My husband (who is American) is friends with a South Sudanese guy who recently got refugee status in the US (thus allowing him to live and work in the US).
Back in Africa, this South Sudanese refugee, used to work as a mechanic back in Africa, working in South Sudan, Sudan (north), Ethiopia and the DR Congo. He mostly worked on old, broken down cars with mileages of 300,000 to even 1 million.
Now that he has the right to live and work in the US, it's his dream to continue being a mechanic in the States. Right now, he just does Uber Eats and Doordash, driving a PT Cruiser.
Been there too many times!
@@trekkienzl2862 auto techs have it thr worst in the usa. They'd make more in other countries
I'm a fedex driver myself and former auto tech. I only lasted 6 months at the shop, and quit because I spent my days off recovering from body aches. Also, you're constantly spending money on aquiring more tools. Even if you buy budget tools, it's still an out-of-pocket expense that racks up quickly. Three of my former classmates from auto tech school quit their dealership jobs and switched to a different career.
It’s horrible
I work at an independent shop in illinois, I interviewed for 4 shops after leaving my last one. They all offered me the job. All of them offered me flat rate. The dealers were offering like half of what I got offered at independent shops.
And the dealerships charge the customer the most
All I heard in this entire video was that "This field isn't lucrative enough because of self-acknowledged low pay and terrible working conditions. We're not sure what we can do to acknowledge this."
They literally answered the problem in their own assessment. pay people more, and offer better conditions and training to workers.
The whole idea that it's a "good salary" is clearly not true, or it would not be a sector-wide problem. "If they're able to make what they need to make" isn't the same thing as "If they're able to make what they're worth."
yep yep... go work elsewhere or where compensation is great
What did you expect from Clickbait CNBC?
No one cares about working conditions. Its dirty manual labor. Not a problem. But we need $$$ to live on. $500/wk before taxes is doo doo
Aviation pays double. * the auto school I went to qnd * their pay.
So true, Dead right on the last paragraph........
I worked as an automotive technician at a dealer for over 20 years. It was time to leave and I just didn’t see it getting any better. Totally agree with every comment I read! Very spot on. The reason for the shortage is all right here in these comments. Words from real world technicians and former dealership techs. They are just speaking the truth from what they have experienced.
I have a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria LX Sport sedan. Every year it just gets older. Currently, I need a new AC system, new intake manifold, repairs to driver door, driver seat, rear pass window(power window). It's cheaper & more practical to buy or finance a used SUV car 2015, 2014 era then dump $$$ on a 20yr old V8 engine car.
"I need a raise"
No. You are lucky to have a job. BTW, can you work late?
Thirty years in the biz, and it only gets worse.
Why do they speak on this in the video?!?!
what did you become after being a tech?
I need to tell you guys one thing once and for all. I was a master tech from 1975-1999. I worked at many shops and dealerships and it was tough work. I had thousands of dollars in tools, certifications up the wazoo and fixed many cars no one else could, or didn't want but in 1999 I got so fed up with the business, I left for good and never looked back. I can tell you horror stories that would fill TH-cam. I got so tired of poor wages(flat rate is fart rate), poor benefits, and poor management. My wages being so bad my family suffered. From what I'm now hearing from you young guys its still the same way. There was a mechanics shortage back then.The automotive field HAS NOT CHANGED ONE BIT. Get it through your head- it never will! You can offer all the solutions and ideas you can muster but ITS NOT GOING TO CHANGE. Take my advise- in 2000 I changed careers and it was the best thing I ever did. Its said, "A wise man learns from his mistakes, but a wiser man learns from the mistakes of others." Wake up guys and move on.
Start a channel, I like hearing these types of horror stories
What career did you get into? Tech pay is terrible
Hey, maybe you have some insight. Do you happen have any ideas on why an a GM 2.5 liter iron duke engine would be running rich at idle? Or any scan tools that can read live data on an 87 engine with the pre-OBD ALDL interface?
No mechanic wants to do 99% of the work for 5% cut of the billed amount.
Ditch flat rate. Problem solved. I was a Nissan tech and to rebuild a transmission under warranty paid 3 hours but took almost 2 days to do. Ontop of that we have to buy our tools and they aren't cheap. People don't quit good jobs, they quit bad management.
Ex-Master Ford tech here with ASE master truck and auto. Was at last dealer till the March of this year. $42 flat rate. 40 minutes one way to work. Turning 20 hours a week while being there 50-60 hours. I left and took some time off for medical reasons. In may I started a job at a used car lot at 22 hourly. All the company wants me to do is fix cars (no shortcuts) so they can be put on the sell line. No pressure or hurry ups. Just fix them. 40 hours a week and I am home in 15 minutes. One of the best jobs I have had in my 40+ years as a mechanic. Also if I need to take time of to rest my 60 year old body the owner does not mind. That right there is peace of mind.
johnfrancis0063, I sure would like to find a mechanic I can just pay $25 an hour to take on some jobs I would rather have help on. I wonder where I can find someone like you local. These are sone jobs that I’m in no rush to have done.
@@p.granger8824 where you at?
As a former tech, I can say I left disappointed. My passion was cars. But I realized working at a dealership is not about your passion for cars. It's about politics and productivity. How many, how fast. Period.
where did you move onto afterward? i want to be involved in the auto industry but not by being a tech
@@notlotus985just do it on your own time. It’s rewarding working on your own vehicles but a waste of your time and life to work in the industry.
Aren't independent shops more flexible than dealerships?
When the service department charges upward of $200 an hour and the technician get $25 an hour its a giant problem🤷♂️
In 1980 I was 3 years into my career as a mechanic. I was making $8 an hour, my mother who was a registered nurse was making $8.25 an hour. The pay is so far out of whack now. Also the working conditions are horrible, shops are always either hot or cold, you're always dirty, you're exposed to chemicals all the time, it's physically demanding and you find yourself bent around like a contortionist trying to get in position to fix something. It's just not worth it.
My dad was a mechanic back and the day and advise me about all these things and told to take a different path for those reasons.
@@humbertob9285 what I do now is all industrial equipment. Mostly all Industrial Automation and Robotics. Much better working conditions. There are guys I work with called control specialists. They work on the programmable logic controllers. They make great money and they are always in demand. If I had it to do over again that's what I'd go into
@Jerry Boden That’s terrible
Was a mechanic for 20 years- chemical exposure was huge. Left the field 15 years ago. Now my hands do not crack & bleed 1/2 the year. Also, mechanics are over dependent on electronic diagnostics- if you don't know the basics then all the electronics in the world don't help.
My back is wrecked from being a mechanic I live on a heating pad and with lidocaine.
I love shattering my back knees and ankles and maintaining a doctorate in electrical engineering for McDonalds money.
I was a dealer technician 2011-2019. What made me leave the trade was how warranty flat rates kept dropping, customer pay was more for the dealer to profit and if a discount was offered it was the technician labor that was cut, and the complexity of the vehicles increased however the pay didn’t match the skill and effort required to actually fix the vehicle. Overall, the physical tax on the body doesn’t make sense when there is nothing to set you up for retirement. If they want to save the trade, they need to share their profits, take care of their technicians, make it a requirement for service managers to be shop foremans instead of a service writer so they can actually understand what technicians (heart of the dealerships) need.
Why do that when you can just squeeze every dime out of people and then call them a communist for asking for more money
Once the shortage becomes an emergency wages will go up. I see it in the machining, cnc industry. Wages are going up pretty fast because nobody wants to do it, and high schools aren't offering machining classes anymore.
Exactly!!
@maxxbenzz7842 it won't, if you look at thr ev market and how much components to repair them cost from accidents the writing is on the wall.
Cars are going to become expensive but disposable appliances that live for about 5 years and then are thrown away.
A Rivian R1T with quarterfinal damage is expensive enough of a repair to total it, and a hyundai Ioniq battery pack replacement costs the entire car itself.
All true
I applied at a tire shop, pay was like $11an hr,,work was 11hr days,, I think 6days a week,, I just laughed at them and walked back out too my car,,
I’m absolutely shocked that dealers and manufacturers act like they don’t know why people do t want to be tech’s anymore. I was a tech in the 90s and I got out of the business because of the ridiculous designs they are using making cars so complicated to fix. Throw in the horrible warranty pay and there is your answer.
No, there’s car diagnostic scanner to scan a problem for you to help you
@@aladdingames6557a scanner doesn’t fix the issue…. That’s the complicated part on these newer rigs
@@aladdingames6557sensors break scanners can’t always help you
@@aladdingames6557there are way more to diag than a stupid scan tool to solve issues lot of times
@@aladdingames6557 the diagnostic can help narrow it down but it doesn't usually give an exact solution. theres so many useless features in cars all of it is just more things that can break
Mechanic here going on 20+ years now. I got my start fresh out of high school in the early 00's. Worked at a franchise dealer (VW) for a little over 8 years. It ebbed and flowed, but I quickly realized that the industry was lopsided in how the pay structure is organized. However I really love working on cars, it's my passion, and didn't want to do anything else. So I became Independent. I've been running my own repair shop for almost 13 years now. It was the best decision I ever made in my life, and has changed my life. I always tell any fellow mechanic that will listen, before you hang them up, before you quit and go start from scratch in another industry (that will have its own unique problems, because no industry is perfect) try running your own show. Our duties require us to micromanage, and think outside the box by default. The leep to becoming your own boss is not as steep as you might believe. Plus there are so many sources of information to refence at your fingertips thanks to the internet. Look into it. It may be the best thing you ever do for your life and your family. Stay safe 🛠
I found an independent shop who the owner was just like yourself. I did business with the guy for over 30 years until he retired and sold out to a new owner. I liked the new owner but his quality was sub par. He went out of business 3 years after taking over. I am now trying to find a new shop to have a long term relationship with. Have not found one yet.
Always seen my self doing the same 🤘
My brother had his own shop for 30 years. It's the only way you'll make real money in this industry.
Hey Gabriel, I'm launching my Auto Repair business within 3 weeks from today. I'd love to chat with you sometime and benefit from any tips and advice you might have for me. I thought about sending you a direct message, but not really sure how to do it on you tube.
Identfix let them know of it.
I was a mechanic straight out of high school at both a dealership and a private shop and worked salary and flatrate for about 7 years. I left the auto industy because the pay, benefits, and hours are TERRIBLE across the industy. The auto repair industry does not compare to say an electrician, plumber, HVAC tech and so on in terms of pay and benefits. I would even argue that auto repair is one of the few industries that could benefit from union representation in the US. This would have been more insightful if an actual mechanic was interviewed.
I've known a couple mechanics that worked for union shops. If you think the pay is poor, try watching the union cut it lower while taking their cut. Benefits would be nice, but by that point you were so tired of the politics, low pay, insane rules and crummy benefits. Sadly unions act like the pay in nowhere Kansas is good enough for someone living in San francisco.
@@Oldbmwr100rs bingo! Unions are not your friend
I am a former mechanical engineer, but I have always wished that I became a mechanic instead of getting my masters in mechanical engineering, given how the mechanical engineering field is so crowded with so many applicants competing for too few jobs (like acting). Would I have been better off becoming a mechanic instead?
@@perfectsplit5515 In terms of getting work as an auto technician, you will never run out of work to do; as long as there are cars on the road, you will always have a job in servicing, diagnosing, and repairing cars. As for doing the job as an auto technician, it is a physically demanding job that requires a fair amount of endurance for every day that you work; there are also a huge amount of hazards that you have to deal with every single time but that knowledge can be drilled into you through repetition. Now comes the question of company culture, there are some bosses who understand the need to entice their technicians to take on the burden of working this high skilled job and therefore they will structure their business to support the technicians in culture and remuneration. There are too many kinds of bosses who do not think in this way and so the technicians that do work for them will develop burn out and contempt for their work.
Just my five cents into working within the auto repair trade.
@@wlonsdale1youre brainwashed
Yep. In high school, I was on track to become a mechanic. Saw how hard the work was, which I actually enjoyed, then saw the pay structure and I noped right out.
Throughout this video, I see working techs, YOU gave them no voice. Their opinions did not matter in your video, the same in the dealerships/shops we left. That manager is either oblivious, or doing a great job at hiding that dealerships and other service shops ABUSE good technicians.
I have been a tech over 23 years now. And did you notice the owner walking around looked like he had no clue what was going on in the shop? Same with the dealer I worked at. The owner only knew our names because it was on our uniforms. Your right and even I said this, they do not want to talk to the techs because the techs will always tell the truth about why no one wants to be a tech.
@@Aaron-or6ov the terrible thing about videos like this is young, eager people will see them, and believe theres an honest shortage of techs for the reasons they said. Those young people may even invest their education, time and money into one of these careers, then one day realize they were lied to. Hopefully they wont just dive in, without reaching out to techs who have left the dealership/service shops. We are here, and we'll tell them the truth.
@@rustedhorsepower5132 your right in every way. But with the forums now and these videos that lets future potential techs and lube techs see and hear what actually is happening to the auto industry. They can make the correct decision to pursue it or not. But I’m one former tech and after so many years do not get into the business. Listen to the techs.
@Paul Lunsford Its a great trade to learn. I just fixed a coolant leak on my daily driver and an a/c leak on my wife's car. Feels great to only pay for parts and come out with successful repairs. But you have to be cautious about your employment turning wrenches. If you feel used, use them for experience, then move on. To me dealerships should only be a stepping stone. Food service is also good tho, we all gotta drive and we all gotta eat, lol.
The mainstream media is owned by THEM
When I first got into auto repair and maintenance as a paying job, I was told by one of my senior guys to get out while I still can. Worked for Chevrolet for 3 years before I finally gave up. While I wasn't the fastest worker, or the most skilled, I still gave what effort I had every day until I was done. Loyalty to my boss got me nowhere, because there was always someone else higher on the ladder getting gravy work for one reason or another. I made maybe $500 a week on average after taxes, and living in the tri state area, that doesn't get you far at all.
Couldn't afford the medical, which wasn't even good, couldn't afford to even start a 401k. I work for a city agency now, I'll never go back into fixing cars for money.
FACTS BROTHER!@?%
What's really sad is the deafness of the managers and OEM's in this industry. Thirty seven years ago I started out as a technician. I bounced around different independent shops and OEM dealerships in order to get more pay. When I hear the managers, and consultants, etc. in this story explain the issues, it brings back the memories of my time in this industry as a technician. Yet almost 40 yrs. later nothing has changed. Management, dealers, OEM's are all complaining about the same things - can't find help, can't find qualified help, can't keep employees, etc. Change the way you're running the business! It isn't hard. Technicians have to pay for their tools, uniforms, healthcare, retirement, insurance, training, and certifications, yet they're unappreciated by their employer and the customer. Once a technician figures this out, they leave and don't look back.
And fix the warranty
pay system!!! The techs are the shock absorber . OEM only will pay .7 for a diag/programming problem? That took 4.3 hrs. No problem for the dealer. Just pay the tech .7. Dealer doesn’t care, the OEM is happy and the just got f@cked. Again.
Not only in the US. Years of under payment,people looking down on the mechanic's job,little recognition for their job and efforts to do a good job while providing for their family. But why is is that everybody is interviewed BUT a actual mechanic??? Maybe because the mechanics can tell you precisely WHY this job suffers from lack of people willing to do this anymore . I'm a mechanic for 33 years now and i strongly advised my son NOT to make my mistake.
Nurse shortage, teacher shortage, pilot shortage, mechanic shortage... stop paying them less and expect them to do more and more while taking away their resources. Companies need to stop over-promising their deliveries of services to the customers/patients.
We need to stop linking teachers in atleast in NY we have tons of them. Mainly because they are so well paid.
Truck drivers, too
Out of the bunch nurses make the best wage and benefits (California I'm not sure elsewhere)
Pilots make bank, it’s just that flight school is crazy expensive and pilots make almost no money for the first few years of their career when they get their 1500 hours before joining a regional airline that makes it a career almost inaccessible to people that don’t have rich parents.
@@MrTmenzo that is true, but their working conditions are very stressful.
If dealers would pay their techs properly instead of turning the showrooms into hotel lobbies, maybe they would be able to retain some people.
@Sid The sloth based on what your are saying, tech should still be screwed over? Lmao
The automotive industry has not seen a pay raise in the last 20+ years. Technicians in the 80's were paid 50% of the shops labor rate and cleared 100k. Now those techs are mostly out of the trade and the industry has greatly changed and become much more complex. Its almost impossible now to clear the same pay that was not uncommon 20+ years ago. Fixed-ops directors aka general managers are making 250k, service managers are making 150k min with bonus. Salesmen are all clearing 100k while they stand around most of the time and bs customers where we then have to go and explain to the customer that is not how their vehicle works. A technician is required to know how the vehicle works mechanically, electronically, features, options and diagnose a vehicle with 60 computers on it and multiple communication networks. Training is none stop because the technology is changing year to year and not getting easier. I have also seen a push where technicians are now being held liable if they don't catch something on a customer vehicle or for something that happens after the customer leaves. The professional tools are Extremely expensive! A single impact gun is normally around $500-$800 and the requirements to perform jobs on these vehicles cost the employee a huge amount of money and there is no reimbursement for it. I have 60K in tools and still need more but cant afford it. Imagine if there was any other field out there that required the employee to spend that much just to go to work.
You have a family, a home, utilities, gas, groceries, vehicle expenses, the list goes on as everyone knows. So where does it makes sense to pay a tech in this industry the way they do when the cost just to do the job is so expensive. Your on your feet 10+ hours a day standing on concrete working under a 200 degree engine and running around like your doing a speed walking marathon just because the shop wants to bring in 150 cars a day so upper management can get their bonuses.
New hires around my area are being paid $15 and not staying because they can go work with their cousin hanging dry wall for $24 to start, union, have $ per $ match on their 401k and fully paid health insurance. Health insurance cost for my place out of pocket cost is $300 per month for a single plan, family plan is over $1000 per month... How.. Is anyone suppose to make a living with this.
Terrible pay, No Appreciation, long hours, horrendous benefits, working conditions, expensive cost in tools. This industry is going down hill and fast!! This industry needs to start coming to time and offering what every other trade has been doing for years!
I was a auto then a truck tech for 33 years, just recently quit the business permantly for exactly those reasons !!
Well said brother.
Wow, I never even thought of this. I was just complaining about the wait for my car that was in the shop. I have a whole new perspective now, Your work is appreciated.
@@Sassysamaa Industry secret. If you put up with the wait, don't call every hour with "When's my car going to be done?" and pay your bill without any unnecessary drama, you'll become one of the shop's priority customers. The shop I work at has a small group of priority customers who can bring their vehicles in and get service right away, at the expense of the "Joe Schmoes" who probably won't be back anyway. The priority customers take care of their equipment (mechanics like to work on stuff that's going to be taken care of), they pay their bills and they keep coming back.
I am a mechanic for 23 years and getting out was the best thing I ever did . The problem is flat rate pay they manipulate your time and you work for free way to much untill they pay hourly for showing up they will continue to have this shortage and it will get worse .
soooo true
I was in the auto industry for 10 years, started at 24, was a service tech for 7 years, became a service advisor, now I’m in the IT support. My starting pay in IT support is what I was making after 10 years in the Auto Industry and I am at the bottom of the food chain here! I like what I am doing now, the work environment is more relaxed, I have a hybrid schedule, benefits, more time for my hobbies, and I am no longer tired all the time
How did you transition to it
How did you get into IT support
I was a mechanic for 10 years, left to get into engineering and never looked back. For the amount of knowledge you need to be a good tech, the pay isn't worth all the bs.
how is it being an engineer?
Being a mechanic back in the day was a respectable job and an important part of a community. Most garages have closed up and replaced with convenience stores that sell sugary drinks and snacks.
Delicious snacks...mmmm
Let me get this straight:
1. You must pay for all your tools. Investing $60,000.00 or more for tools.
2. A service advisor makes more than the mechanic and does only 5% of the work as the mechanic.
3. You don't get paid for all the work that is done with diagnostics.
4. A large portion of mechanics are contractors. Hence, no benefits.
5. The amount continual education you get does not directly correlate to your pay. People don't seem to understand that transmission repair is far different from engine repair or that diesel fuel systems are vastly different from gasoline systems. All this takes considerable understanding. Yes, mechanics are treated as trash.
6. Currently, you're in an industry that is in a massive change from ICE to electrical. Your education and skill set is going to become obsolete.
7. Mechanics in many instances are seen dirty work even thou it's very technical. You can't just decide to do a timing belt service and valve adjustment on a Honda J35.
8. The dealership model makes mechanics compete against each for work.
9. You work with a dealership that is known for scamming their customers. Not all dealerships but enough to stain the industry.
10. Lastly, dealerships lobby the government to keep their archaic model in place that only benefits dealership. Any system that protects itself from evolving via market forces is inherently a bad system.
What other industry does this? Why in the world would anyone want to get into this industry. I learned quickly from a young age buy reliable automobiles and do all servicing yourself (oil changes, transmission fluid changes, brake fluid, spark plugs, air filters, cabin filters, and so forth).
Fixing cars are just very time consuming and can be a real hassle at times. The pay is not worth it if you consider how much the dealership over charges people. As a mechanic I'm OK with just fixing my own car and I rarely want to do that..
Very true. It’s an industry that needs to evolve especially give how fast pace today is.
We are the same, there are some jobs that I'd rather not do so I leave it to the shop. Otherise I do most of my own work.
First off, as a guy who wrenched for almost 10 years, let’s talk about long days, pay that can be iffy at best (job, hourly, etc), benefits that are sub par, high cost of tools and required equipment, being surrounded by tons of chemicals which are definitely not good for you (brake dust, coolant, oil, gas), constant pressure to do the job fast because there are 4 other jobs your boss is trying to throw on your plate, and tons more. But what do I know…
Dude stop, your giving me flashbacks. Lol
The average c tech makes $12-$25 an hour and have to pay for training and tools. The average tech will max out near $25-$30. My local Walmart is paying $20 an hour. It seems pretty obvious
Can't forget about Subway and Tacobell
Not one mechanic interviewed. They could have answered your question.
I WAS an Automotive tech from 2000-2010. I've seen this coming for 20 years. When you RIP OFF the mechanics (flat rate system) you are proving to them every single day that there is NO MONEY in this work. There are 20 huge reasons why I got out. I loved the work but it didn't love me. I still do side work, only way it's worth my time.
you mean u see the shops dying... you mean theyre going out of business cause of electric cars bud
That is a new issue, these pay issues have been going on for at least 25 yrs. No electric cars in 1997, bud. Oh and don't remember the last time I've seen a shop close it's doors, even in the current economic times, bud.
No shops are going out of business because of electric cars still 95% of cars on the road are gas powered and there’s more people driving cars today then ever
The most exploited workers are auto technicians
Mentally physically exhausted for minimum wage
I had to quit after 15 years Start doing Uber
I doubled my income with Uber than a job that requires knowledge, certificates and talent
sad but true
You think being a mechanic was bad! I was a paramedic. 2 years of school and 1000+ hours of training, some calls I would have to give people medication to make them stop breathing so I can take over the airway with intubation. I would work kids in cardiac arrest, long hours 12-14 hr days. Guess how much I was making ? $17 lol 😂 there’s so many jobs that just do not pay enough for what you do. It’s ridiculous. I eventually got tired of struggling to live. I loved my job but needed money. I started a business and I’m way happier now
bro u could start your own business
@@eugeneabreut960 So sad.
With your own shop you can charge $150/hr and be overwhelmed with business, assuming high quality and integrity. The biggest problem you'll have is hiring a few good mechanics to work for you but as a one man operation you can still thrive. (I do so in the field welding biz, not quite to $150 yet but can command that except I won't for old loyal customers)
@KR It's never easy and you have to be all in on it. Started my own tiny contracting biz at 20 not even knowing if there was an adequate market for it. Drove worthless econoboxes, had no TV, no toys no sterio, all my savings, time and energy went into it.
Eventually it paid off, in a sense it pays off almost immeadiately from the experience, confidence built of taking on more than you know how to finish but figure it out as you go and get it done reasonably right, learn a ton. Under bid things and bust your ass long hours for free but still deliver a quality product, and so on.
There is plenty of labor. The industry simply doesn't know how to attract and retain it. They pretend the mechanics are stupid and will watch the front desk charge customers $150+ per hour and get paid $20 an hour. Not to mention they have to provide thousands of dollars worth of their own tools.
@KR the whole dealership model needs an overhaul.
It's a terrible job in the most toxic work environment.
Technicians are realizing they are the heart of this industry and that they are not being treated accordingly. These shops profit off the sweat of technicians and pay them substandard wages with no benefits. The shops that are making a change and paying technicians better wages, giving them a percentage of parts sales and benefits are having no problem finding technicians. It's time for a change in this industry, we spend 10s of thousands of dollars each year on tools, training and we still have to take care of our familes.
Hours, Pay, vacation, Benefits, Tool cost, work environment all play a huge part in the career. I can tell you that even 90k a year for high level tech is extremely low considering all the knowledge, labor and oversight that is required from that employee.
And in some places, the cost to actually live there is high.
I'm not a mechanic. But my job is having a similar issue with a shortage of staff.
A lot of places here increasing the price of rent. Because they think a bunch of rich guys are going to buy it.
So, where does that leave the local people here who aren't rich?
That’s what I’m making at 20 as a journeyman electrician
the only people at the mercedes dealership making 90k were the team leaders. the rest of us made around 45k.
The automotive industry has not seem a pay raise in the last 20+ years. Technicians in the 80's were paid 50% of the shops labor rate and cleared 100k. Now those techs are mostly out of the trade and the industry has greatly changed and become much more complex. Its almost impossible now to clear the same pay that was not uncommon 20+ years ago. Fixed-ops directors aka general managers are making 250k, service managers are making 150k min with bonus. Salesmen are all clearing 100k while they stand around most of the time and bs customers where we then have to go and explain to the customer that is not how their vehicle works. A technician is required to know how the vehicle works mechanically, electronically, features, options and diagnose a vehicle with 60 computers on it and multiple communication networks. Training is none stop because the technology is changing year to year and not getting easier. I have also seen a push where technicians are now being held liable if they don't catch something on a customer vehicle or for something that happens after the customer leaves. The professional tools are Extremely expensive! A single impact gun is normally around $500-$800 and no harbor freight is not an option for everyday professional work were you rely on your tools to make you a living. I have 60K in tools and still need more but cant afford it.
You have a family, a home, utilities, gas, groceries, vehicle expenses, the list goes on as everyone knows. So where does it makes sense to pay a tech in this industry the way they do when the cost just to do the job is so expensive. Your on your feet 10+ hours a day standing on concrete working under a 200 degree engine and running around like your doing a speed walking marathon just because the shop wants to bring in 150 cars a day so upper management can get their bonuses.
New hires around my area are being paid $15 and not staying because they can go work with their cousin hanging dry wall for $24 to start, union, have $ per $ match on their 401k and fully paid health insurance. Health insurance cost for my place out of pocket cost is $300 per month for a single plan, family plan is over $1000 per month... How.. Is anyone suppose to make a living with this.
Terrible pay, No Appreciation, long hours, horrendous benefits, expensive cost in tools. This industry is going down hill and fast!! This industry needs to start coming to time and offering what every other trade has been doing for years!
@@toyotabeast527 everything you said is true with the exception of the hf impact gun. used mine professionally for over 20 years and it still works. my mac and ir failed in less than a year
Im 27, I was a technician for 6 years at Acura. As a car enthusiast, it felt like the right career path at first, but i quickly found out it wasn’t for me. Especially coming in to work everyday and hearing master techs constantly complain about how the industry is changing and not the way it used to be. After an injury on the job earlier this year, I finally had enough and left the field. Now I work for a tech company. Its a whole new experience but couldn’t be happier and proud of myself for leaving that field!
Happy to hear you're finding success. Out of curiosity, did you or any of the younger techs ever consider working at an independent repair shop? Or maybe starting your own business? I know there's upfront costs with starting your own shop, but did working for a small independent shop ever cross your mind and why did you decide it wasn't worth it?
@@Hunter.McKinney i have considered both of those options but some independent shops struggle to make business especially around Holidays (from what I’ve noticed). And As for starting my own business, i plan to do so in a separate field. Lastly, I left the Automotive field because I wasn’t passionate about it anymore. Not to mention its physically demanding work. Plus earlier in the year I broke my hand in the shop so that was the last straw lol
@@thekreativeculture9642 I really appreciate the response! Sorry to hear about your hand :( I'm glad that you're finding something out there that's a better fit because of it though. It's always nice to hear how things are out there from the folks doing the hard work. Wish you the best!
It's good you made a + step to a new career. ✔️ It's annoying to me how auto repair & service places are run in 2022. So many shops, chain places are poorly run, rip offs or scams. There is a huge demand for services, repairs too. My 2005 Ford Crown Victoria LX sedan runs but is far from perfect. It currently has 179500mi.
@@Hunter.McKinney independent shops rarely offer anything in the way of benefits, 401k, health, disability, life insurance. And any tech worth a damn is doing their own thing so you are your own cheapest labor
Several problems no one mentions. Service advisors aren't mechanics. Most don't know anything. They don't diag the vehicle. If you hired an advisor and think they're a tech or a mechanic, you're the problem. Technicians are not mechanics. So if you hire a tech, you aren't getting a mechanic. Hire a mechanic, and you also get a tech. It's like hiring a nurse to perform a surgery. The nurse isn't a doctor. But a doctor is fully qualified to do the nurses job.
People don't realize that as a plumber, you work on plumbing, as an electrician, you work on electric stuff, and as a hvac person, that's what you work on, but as a mechanic, you work on all three along with many other areas and have tools to cover it all. And every plumber, electrician, and hvac person I know makes more than I do. School doesn't teach you how to be a mechanic. If anything, school teaches techs how to read a scanner. Most mechanics have a mechanical mind and are the ones who have been working on engines and their own vehicles at young ages. People don't just suddenly get trained and become a mechanic.
Quit asking everyone but the mechanics what the issue is. My tools don't pay for themshelves and I have more cost of being a mechanic than almost any other occupation. Talking about labeling people? I hate being called and treated as a grease monkey. Mechanics get treated worse than most other occupations, yet we're expected to make sure you get to work everyday.
When's the last time you tipped your mechanic? I doubt you ever have. Yet I don't recall a food worker being required to buy the grille or microwave at their job. It's hard to find a mechanic that is a mechanic and not a fast lane tech. An oil and tire guy isn't a mechanic. Plus so many people are posers and pro liars. People have learned that they have to lie, cheat and stretch a story to make themshelves look good in order to get a job. Many people can say they are mechanic with a straight face not having a clue what it means to be one.
My wife makes more money than me as a waitress, and I’m one of the highest paid techs in our dealer group of 1500. There’s plenty of stuff they can do to make techs life better.
A lot of women make more money that all of us on only fans. What can you do? 🥴🤷♂️
@@LynxStarAuto I expected an OF reference, I wasn't disappointed, lol
Working as waiter youll make minimum wage plus 120 in tips on a decent night
@@realmoiesesb5187 my wife seems to make 120 on a bad night and 200 on a good night. Additionally at least in my province in Canada, min wage isn’t 2$/hr it’s close to 11.
I've been a technician for eight years. When these manufacturers wants to cut costs, they use lesser quality parts and squeeze the cost of labor to the point where break even is barely possible in the flat rate system. The pay rates per job are calculated in ideal situations where nothing every goes wrong, for a example a rusted bolt or nut that just won't loosen without soaking of an anti rust spray or heat. These manufactures and dealerships know exactly what the problem is, but it's like they are covering their own eyes and expecting the everyone not to see either. It is laughable and the problem has hit the fan.
After 8 yrs you still call it anti-rust spray.... :)))
Right that's why I basically said, They can fix it their dammed self !!!!!!!!😆😆😆
@@robbieraychannel That is what they want. Look at what Audi has been doing a lot time ago. They make basic maintenance require removing the engine from the frame and put on different sized fasteners on the same part just to make it as hard as possible to work on, to drive the price up and make the customer not get the maintenance done so the car becomes damaged prematurely and they have to buy another one.
Planned obsolescence is what everyone is going for even in regular consumer electronics.
As a mechanic now I can tell you that pay and lack of training provided by the facilities themselves is making it really hard to make a living in this industry. We still get treated like grease monkeys even though most repairs are electrical or module based not even dealing with grease or dirty parts of the car. I myself am already looking for another opportunity to get out of this industry.
Look into machining. After working almost 20 years as a mechanic I made the switch and would never consider going back to working on a car or anything else. The pay is better and there’s a whole lot less drama
@@bdp-racing Its not as knuckle busting that's about it. However, not all machine shop jobs pay well or are pleasant environments to work. Some people have to work in cnc cells 2 or 3 machines at a time. No air conditioning, no sitting down, no talking. . .some manufacturing is oppressive. Must punch out for lunch. . .Be there standing at your machine when the bell rings. Others are easy going. Today I work in an easy going place bosses are good. but that wasn't always the case. Places differ
It’s even more frustrating when a customer at a BMW dealership has to explain to the head tech what the bad module does, and the basics of Ethernet communication using corporate BMW wiring diagrams printed from home.
@@jamie7664 yep, no lie. That is exactly how bad it can be at dealerships, especially euro in the US, where we are pretty dumb, frankly, what with our 54% of population having a 6th grade reading level!!! yeah for realz!
@@bdp-racing how can one get into machining? I have no experience
After seven years as an auto technician, I switched over to being an HVAC tech.
Best career change Ive ever done.