Just so you're aware, when you mentioned tool buying, federal law says employers have to provide you with any and all tools required to do your job. Look it up. Mechanics need to stop buying their own tools, that responsibility falls on the employer and we both know dealerships can easily afford to invest in their techs
That is true if you are an hourly employee. and if so you are probably making close to min wage. Most jobs in the industry are flatrate pay and in CA state law is they have to pay you double min wage if you supply your own tools.@@COBRO98
Mechanic work is the hardest physical job I've ever done, and I've done many blue-collar jobs. It kicks your ass! Just working on own vehicles, not a professional. Much respect to mechanics.
Did warehouse work for 16 years and was a single parent. when my daughter went off to the military I decided to take up automotive at 40 lol, quit my job, sold my house, gave a bunch of stuff away and moved to Hawaii. now I'm 45 and making more than I did at ware house work, I'm one ASE test away from master tech status and never in my life have I been happier. it doesn't matter how long you've been at a job or how old you are, do something you love. life is too short.
Nice man happy for you, in case you are new here are some free ASE study guides that may be of help drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rZZ-HJJ1reDpruMupih-VFaizWHx7PdU?usp=share_link drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/1jHkr8RuNgzhyIWzAgUPrv_FxBwQye4RR?usp=sharing
There's a warehouse near me paying 40 an hour for 2 days of work. I'm a young guy but I need a budget part time job to save up for some of these tools, but there's alaos a transportation job next door working on the semi trailers, is that a good idea? I mean like he said it might make it a chore for me :/ but I also have a shop and a welder and a bunch of tools already, feeling like I should work on my own projects
@@NatS8445 If you have a goal for what you want to do or be in life and you need to do other jobs to get there, then that’s ok. Just don’t lose sight of that goal, it’s easy to get stuck in a job because it pays good even when you’re unhappy. I’ve know a lot of unhappy workers who felt they could not leave their job because they had too many years in or didn’t want to start over at a lower pay. Doing what you like everyday for a job is priceless, you shouldn’t be working hard all week only looking forward to the weekend, you should be looking forward to going back to work on Monday to learn something new, or do something that interests you. This is all just my OPINION so do what is best for you. Just make a plan, try not to tell too many people as most will discourage you, then keep working to reach that goal. Life is short 🤙
maybe I needed to see this. My life's been crazy. in the past I had some electrical knowledge dealing with the ACE system on an Avenger. learned how to read schematics and troubleshoot 20 years ago. never knew what to do with that knowledge after life happened. I've been studying this. Stay blessed.
From automotive technician to mechanical engineer, I make twice the money and dont come home unable to move from pain. Being a mechanic was rewarding in some ways but I highly recommend taking the drive you may have to learn about how these machines work and apply it to an engineering degree. It is difficult to get the Bachelors but it is far from impossible.
@justinhayward5027 Currently work in an MEP firm designing HVAC and Plumbing systems for large health care facilities, it is very rewarding. The cost is dependent on the school and can be greatly reduced if you begin with 2 years at a community college and then transfer to a university ending in a total of 4 years of education.
@almightyracing mechanical engineering is the broadest of all of the engineering disciplines, everything from Aerospace to manufacturing to product development, ultimately most objects you interact with on a daily basis were at one point influenced by a mechanical engineer.
How many years were you and automotive technician? And did you work for a dealer or Indy during that time. Also how long did it take you to finish your degree. I went to community college for automotive technology almost a decade ago and received an associate in applied science. I’m 30 rn and make 90-95k as a train mechanic. Very easy work , but not as rewarding as being a diag tech at a dealer like I was working towards when I was at a Mercedes Benz dealer. I’ve been thinking of making the transition to learning how to code and potentially going back to community college to pursue a computer science degree , being married and having children makes it tougher for a guy like myself but I’m at a transitional part in my life where I think I want to potentially something else during this next decade of my life. Looking for some insight and inspiration. Thanks in advanced.
I knew a guy that loved to work on cars and was a mechanic for a while but ended up leaving the industry. The thing that turned him off was people would neglect their cars until it just had to be repaired. They would then want to spend the very minimum on the repair but expected it to run perfect.
30 year old here. I've been working on cars since I was 16. Worked construction from 18 years old until 25 years old. Went into corrections from 25 to 30. At 30 decided to go work as a mechanic at a dealership. Told them I knew how to work on anything. They started me at 12$ 3 months later got bumped to 22$ flat rate. 4 months after that asked for another raise since I was running circles around their "master techs" got bumped up to 30$ flat rate. Been working 1 year there already. I will be getting another raise after I complete their manufacture training. I do not recommend getting into this field unless you already have real experience working on cars. Flat rate is not for the weak, especially if you're not self driven and a hard worker.
I am a hard worker but I also like to make sure everything is done clean and right so I’m not one to speed through it and possibly forget something. Imo flat rate encourages shotty work and I’m not going to do it. I work on boats though so it’s a seasonal thing also, I’m not getting shafted all winter
One thing to remember is "the grass is always greener" and every career has problems. In IT 80% of people are on adderal/ psyc meds for depression and/or anxiety, electricians spend the first decade digging trenches and climbing into 150° attics trying not to fall through the roof or get electrocuted while having rats crawl on them, plumbers obviously have some shitty days too 😂
17 yrs Diesel Mechanic and on going. I never liked working for a company that deals with sales/economy/customers so I went for a government job and boy it was night and days working for public transportation(bus/train) under Union. Become an apprentice, great benefits, great pay with longevity, no labor charge (Unfinished work just passes on to the next shift), no warranty work, awesome vacation(5 weeks for me), the shop provides tools too, lots of open opportunities to move up but all these examples can vary per states. Bottom line is this is a public transit and not a dealership.
I went to public transit in 2005. Pension, don’t pay out of pocket for insurance, we’re at $57 an hour and will be $59 next november. They can’t find mechanics like most places now so car guys are coming in swearing they’d never go back to dealerships but want to bring their car world ideas with them. They’re ruining what was once a great environment
I have been thinking about going to trade school for diesel tech instead of automotive because well they make more, higher demand and I feel automotive is to easy to waste money on school for it so I am deciding between diesel and air frame and power plant
Worked at a dealership on the lube rack for about a year and a half moved up to be a line tech about a year ago. Made more money on the lube rack and had double the head aches. Did lots of repairs for free because the advisors “forgot” to flag me on but always told me they’d “take care of me in the next ticket”…. Never happened started to call them out on their bs and let the service manager know about what they have been doing and nothing ever changed. Got asked if I enjoyed working for the company Monday morning told em “you’re not gonna like what I have too say” and they let me go on the spot. Then called me back about 2 hours later offered me my job back apologizing about letting me go the way they did. Told them I’d think about it. Currently applying to performance shops to actually pursue the career I want.
I don't think most people know what a service writer even is, nor do they understand how intelligent you need to be to be a great mechanic. Mechanics have their victories in the seclusion of the garage and people don't know much about it.
On the other hand they will probably be replaced by robots. Cars are already mostly built by robots so that would be the next logical step if they're also serviced by robots. But the mechanics can then service the outlawed Mad Max cars outside of the smart cities.
A computer tells you what to replace and a manual tells you how to do it on these new cars. The old ones require knowledge, experience and intelegence. All 3 not just one.
@Number6_ eh. When you start getting some funky engine problems, the codes will only get you so far. Plenty of mechanics these days replacing a half dozen parts before giving up without fixing the problem, you do actually gotta know what you're doing. And fwiw they had service manuals since the early 70s... but without any sensors or circuits, they were pretty thin.
@@dcgregorya5434 agreeable. As a mechanic myself I have never been in a parts cannon situation, but If I was a customer I would not pay for random parts and work, because the guy does not know what to do.
Many years ago when I worked for someone else. When a customer came to pick up his car and everything was done right the owner of the shop would say he did it. When the owner never worked on anything. When there was a come back the owner would tell the customer I did it.
I worked as a dealership technician for a few years after going to tech school. It wasn't long before I realized that the work was really hard on your body over time. The few older guys had n the shop all had bad knees and/or bad backs. So I looked for other opportunities using my skill set. I ended up working at a big pharmaceutical company as a machine mechanic. Indoor work, tools supplied by the company, regular hours, overtime pay. It was a dream come true. Then I got promoted to shop supervisor. Then department manager. Now I run the whole department and make almost $200k a year. All from being a dealership technician. So just remember that your skill set can take you places if you make the effort.
As a middle aged tech on my way out of this hellscape of a profession my advice for those thinking of getting into the automotive side of this industry is, if you want to work on your dream car/truck become a mechanic, if you want to own/enjoy your dream car/truck pick a different trade preferably a licensed one.
I was a Nissan and ASE master tech back in 1987. Still in the business as a successful manager. I never forgot where I came from. I would occasionally change my clothes and go help the techs in the shop. Wanted them to know i wasn't better than them, I just had a different role. With all of the large Dealer groups and publicly traded dealer groups that has gotten almost impossible to do. It seams to be profit over your people. I have a problem with that. Vehicles have gotten so technical and expensive along with increased customer expectations that it's difficult to balance. I will say, all of the service writers and most of the service managers couldn't fix a sandwich let alone a vehicle. I still have 10's of thousands of dollars worth of tools and try to take new techs under my wing to help them be successful. I've always remembered, it's not me, it's we.
A very meaningful comment, so humble man. A 4 year backyard diy mechanic here and build a small shop. Now on the tip whether gonna proceed to auto techschool or not having that said i need to also focus in different expenses for my family. Still in the verge whether i'll continue to do this. Or not, Or i may just by hitting some regular pms , basic repairs again for the clients after. I see my self not into going deep trouble shooting and full rebuilds of engines & transmission. Rather focus into light troubleshooting & diagnosis + pms.
I changed careers into a Diesel Mechanic from 15 years of warehousing. I made more money in warehousing at a very well known brewery. However, it took me 10 years to make $28/hr in warehousing (here in PA), but it took me a little over a year to make that as a “new guy” in the Diesel Industry. Learn a lot, show your value, and leave a shop when your being under paid, you’ll almost always get a raise this way. You can make the money, but sometimes it doesn’t feel worth it with all you gotta know, continuous training, tools, beating up your body, etc. Gotta ask yourself if the game is worth the candle.
You brought up some important points. The fact the job is physically demanding. It’s very hard and the older you get the worse it becomes. You won’t see many techs over 50 for this reason. Most people have no idea how much techs invest in tools. It’s an ongoing expense. Others in the trades spend very little in comparison. It’s not an easy way to make a living.
So many negative comments about this field I’m planning on going to school soon to become a tech and eventually wanna own my own business. Wish you the best
When I was young I wanted to become a mechanic, but I ended up in IT/Data Warehousing as a career ($170k/yr). I have no regrets. But I agree with you, my passion is still cars and fixing/restoring them, but I do it as therapy on some weekends to get away from other stresses. I do all my own work (from fluids, bearings, brakes, timing belts/chains, engine swaps). So it’s a hobby and from time to time I fix friends and family cars if they can’t afford certain major repairs.
Man you nailed it 100%. I wrenched for over 40yrs. & everything you said happened to me. Cars where fun back in the day , now you need to be a computer genius. I still have 11 cars/trucks, they just sit around. I'm so burnt out i bring my daily driver to the oil change place.
I learned that passion lesson when I was 17, and didn't listen. worked a lot of my life for the $ , re-discovered passion at age 70, going strong. best of luck to you, bright young guy
I've been a heavy fleet mechanic for 10 years. It's killed cars as a hobby for me. I'm so burnt out on working on my own stuff that I let the dealership deal with most of it
You forgot the part about cars getting more technical and over-engineered making a typical hour long job take longer with more parts to remove. To all the auto engineers out there… If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Nearing 30, been working on cars since about 17. Went to the oil field for a bit, led me to hd diesel.. tech school led to $25/hr start, a few yrs in I found myself in calibration engineer for autonomous semis. Now in maintenance engineering for autonomous robotics looking into going back to school for electrical & controls engineering.. Though I miss turning wrenches some days, the toll working on hd equipment took is insane.. not to mention that spark and burning passion I once had now being simmering ash.. I can honestly say that I don’t regret my path, as what I loved doing for a period paid the bills for years thereafter and will forever be something I can call on if or when needed.. I implore those curious about being a tech to truly weigh out options. I firmly believe in growth.. if you are coming in chasing money, tool badging or dreams, you very well may find disappointment one day. However, the journey to attain a skill set that may lead you to other opportunities in the future…that’s something no one can ever take away from you.
Facts. I'm in the autobody industry and I went to college for it and have been doing it for 23 years. I tell people all the time that now is a bad time to get into it. I used to enjoy it back when you could make good money. Now, the insurance companies are keeping us from making money. Also, hard to get parts. Some parts are on back order. I've had to resort to Ebay and Amazon to get stuff.
Most things you said it's true, I have been a mechanic 30+ years I can say I regret it, had I put an effort into becoming a lawyer, medical field, union job my life would have been completely different. you are always under paid, cars there is no room to work on, the book always says way less time than the actual job takes because it was written for the advantage of the manufacturer to pay less for warrantee work, customers they don't want to pay always arguing.
working on cars for 20 years.. I agree with him. Nagging back and shoulder pains. Wish someone wouldve told me. The one positive thing is alot of what you do can be a stepping stone to other things. Plumbing and electrical for example.
Dude you NAILED IT. Without getting all worked up into a rant , like I would . You really hit on all the major points. Especially being underapreciated .
From a shop b*tch, to parts runner, pressure washer guy, shop cleaner within 3-5 months mechanics started getting fired, showed my self /skills now running the field service truck for construction equipment with crane, welder, hydraulic tank, oil tank, wastetank you name it started at 18$ now at 32$ in 2 & half yrs and much more room to grow in pay. no school just youtube University for me and its worked out great for what i want/ need to learn. yes tools are expensive but you dont need everything from tool trucks im talking the expensive brands. 90% tools are off the Internet/retail stores 10% tool trucks with only specialty tools that will be hard to warranty at other places . its not for everyone and name brand tools dont make the mechanic. Hope to bring these skills when i am able to open my own business.
Name brand tools don't make the tech, but, at the same time, after you've punched the metal inside of a car because your ratchet slipped, you start spending a little more. That being said there is plenty of shit in my box from harbor freight.
I am glad that you are describing the automotive repair industry for how it is. I was one of those with a idealized vision of what it would be like repairing cars professionally until I got into it. Having the mechanical skills & passion will often be NOT enough to make up for the flaws of the flat rate system & all the money you have to invest in tools. My take would be for the would-be mechanic to listen to your advice & have a plan to ultimately move into parts, service writing, or management, or fleet service. The flat-rate system was probably instituted for the lazy mechanics, but it hurts the good mechanics the most. Who wants to be rushed when they are fixing a complicated repair? Who wants to work 40 hours a week & sometimes be payed less than?
56 here. I love wrenching but have experienced everything you talked about in this video...and still do. This is a very good, comprehensive video and it's perfect for those who don't know what they are getting into. Well done man, I'm subbing.
Started working for the county 5 years ago making 22$ bucks an hour doing lube tech work and tires. I worked my way up to full automotive mechanic and now make 45$ an hour + 4$ night differential for working swing shift. It was honestly the best move I ever made in my career. I used to work at the Chevy dealership making double minimum and the pay cut hurt in the beginning but in the long run it paid out more than what I thought… honestly as mechanic you make a better living working for the local government I.e cities-counties
@@Jeffrey_Gauntt Santa Clara County-California. All of our pay salaries are public, you can look them up on the internet @ Santa Clara county job specs and salaries
I am retired now and work part time at a car dealership in the parts department. A few years ago they went from hourly to flat rate for the techs. Half the techs quit within 6 months and they now have a turnover problem. The most experienced techs who got the toughest jobs weren’t making enough on the book rate while the less experienced guys getting the simpler jobs were the ones who if they hustled could bang them out and make a little extra. But one other thing that happened was the experienced guys no longer were willing or able to help the junior techs because if they were not working their jobs they were losing money. And I agree - the techs get blamed for everything wether it is their fault or not.
Thank you for your honesty for the ones considering being a mechanic. I worked 18 years as a heavy equipment mechanic. Low pay and high price tools at that time. I have recently checked some tool truck prices, and they are extremely higher than when i was working as a mechanic. I really enjoyed the work but i never felt like the pay was any where it should have been. You always hear tales about some body making a mint, but you never come close to it. The ones that are sucessful are usually independent and broke away from dealerships. These ones will tell you it is extreamley diffcult, and very costly to keep up with technology if you can find reliable sources of repair information.
After graduating my 2 year automotive program, I was stuck in the lube rack for about 3-4 years before I started doing floater/main shop work. If anyone of you guys make it into the main shop regardless of having a degree or not. Strive to learn everything you can. Even electrical diag and heavier jobs. It will make you more valuable not just in your current shop but in any other shop/industry you are trying to move over to. In this industry, having a degree isn't going to give you an upper hand over someone who came out of high school or with lesser education. However that degree will open up so many other doors outside of the automotive industry. I now work for a very well known semiconductor company as a equipment tech and make double of what i was making as a auto tech. That degree and my experience is how i got the job for that company.
I could of been a union pipe fitter but... decided I wanted to turn work on cars for a living. Many times I have thought to myself why it was super rough in the beginning school tool bills no money flat rate etc... I hated it for a long time made me bitter towards the trade. Now two decades later it's different due to the fact left the toxic dealer world ans went to a major utility company fleet. It's way different some days are eazy other days you find yourself having to drop what you are doing and have to rescue a boom truck 125 feet in the air. It's 24/7 now with call outs break downs or storm but the end of the day I love for different reasons now the trucks I fix provide a service people need.... our saying in fleet in my company is WITHOUT US THEY WALK.
Gotta love how unappreciated you are as a tech. When you see your nurse friends averaging 90k a yr all over the US and theyre not even 30 yet or your it/tech friends in the 6 figures but you struggling to hit that after 10 yrs makes you re-evaluate your career. Mechanics are no dumber than those other professions either. I’ve never seen so many dealers desperate for techs before in my life. I love seeing them suffer after years of shafting me. Glad i woke up and quit. Glad it worked out for you Nick.
If wages where fair ud get better techs. Labor unions at least force a living wage for dangerous skilled work. ASE Mechanics should unionize- ex ASE cert tech
I definitely have to agree with you on everything you said… I started out helping my neighbor on his race car and got to go with him to 3 different drag strips and there I got to meet a lot of those famous guys in PA MD and NJ. I was a machinist and toolmaker but always did this work on the side. Today I’m so physically messed up from all that hard labor I wish I could have changed coarse. I always wanted to be a Lawyer and I should’ve went that road instead…
I spent my entire working life 35+ years as a full time mechanic. This man totally nails it, listen to this guy he knows. My greatest choice was going to work as a fleet mechanic (for the government) at age 36. That job came with a very good pension I was able to retire at age 56 thanks to that choice. I have no regrets but will tell you that this career choice is not an easy path. Constant ASE Renewals, CA Smog License Recertifications requiring weekend classes, DMV Commercial Drivers License, with Hazmat and Tanker endorsements, Freezing cold, wind, heat, chemicals, ever changing technology, drilling out broken exhaust manifold studs, gas running down your arm, blah , blah, blah. I paid Snap On every week forever LOL. Work on the smallest vehicles as possible, it usually pays the same and will not kill you as quickly.
I was a tech for years and agree with all of this. Especially the last minutes of the video. I am so grateful when people don’t ask me to fix their vehicle, even though I usually know how
Totally agree I went head first into it because I want to wrench doesn’t mean it’s easy for sure. I have 4k between my tool box, tool cart, and basic tools and I barely scratched the surface
You sir are 100% right on these especially your last point. We all got into this field to work on cars, make them better and or repair. We did it because we wanted to be some of the best in our fields, masters of our craft. What we didn't know was how terrible the industry is. It turns our passion, into misery. It turns our skilled passion into regret. It uses's our time and experience invested knowledge against us. There is a very common misconception about techs, well truth be told, we aren't machines. We are humans like everyone else and we make mistakes. We aren't immune to sickness, or health issues. We aren't immune to fatigue and exhaustion. We aren't exempt from having a bad day or being tired or not feeling well. We have the same responsibilities of human adulthood just like everyone else. Contrary to popular belief, we don't work for charity. We do what we do to earn our income just like everyone else.
Right now, my parents are trying to push me into this because I love cars, but I don't want to be a mechanic, and they will just not stop drilling it into me that I must become one. You summed up my basic argument in far better words than I could articulate, but they don't listen. It's impossible to tell them that this field isn't what they think it is, but thank you for this comment.
@@zbj4240 If you are into cars, id say keep it as a hobby. You may like cars but it doesn't mean you will like fixing them everyday. Modding them for a purpose is much different than having to fix them for someone else. If you want to pursue a passion in cars, do it on the media side of it. Let everyone else spend the money, you can just record the moments. I wish I knew and understood this in when I was younger.
@JayDLC123 That's what I've heard other mechanics say. My dad won't hear that, he has his mind set on making me into an employee for a Mechanic Shop he wants to start. I'm not letting anyone steer my life in a direction I don't want to go in, including my family. I would happily work on my own cars, but I don't want to work on Camry's, Priuses, and Teslas, lol. Especially when I can make more money, doing something less physically demanding.
I just transitioned into teaching auto shop at a high school . I’m just one month in and it has been an amazing gig so far. I’m looking forward to the 4 weeks of vacation by the time this new semester rolls around.
Here's an idea to save your back and legs. Get old computer chairs, one to sit on and the other to use as a work table. Using them to sit on and place tools/parts makes life so much easier. Been working this way for a few years now. Needs a reasonably flat floor for those small wheels to run on. With my large tool box on a garden dolley/trolley I do not have to run back and fore to the tool chest. When I think back to the way my Dad worked with the car in the air - back arched and neck craning, tools put in pockets, balanced on suspension members, or just dropped on the floor. It was no wonder he had health problems and often lost spanners and sockets. If you have a pit or roll around under a car then there is no alternative, but with a two or four post ramp we can improve the way we work on chassis jewelry (and oil changes).
Yes, that is helpful, until the part you have to replace is 2ft. under the dashboard, and held on by 6 inaccessible screws. Standing on your head IS a mechanical requirement on cars.
I was an aircraft mechanic for many years and pretty much the same deal. Also lousy pay for what you have to know. Being tied to a large airport was no fun either.
I can attest to this. I worked for an airfreight company for 2 months during a miserable winter, they put me on a split shift. I did automotive, and a little diesel for 5 years. Dusted off my A&P license and now work for a flight school where the pilots and students appreciate us. Personally, I will never touch the airlines. Being appreciated goes such a long way, it makes the work enjoyable and motivates me to do a quality job.
When I was 18 I graduated from a trade school. My first job was at a ford dealership. It didn’t take long to realize I didn’t want to to do this work for the rest of my career. I decided to go to college I earned my bachelor’s degree while working as a mechanic. I now work in a specialty security field making just as much if not more than a master tech. I still repair my own vehicles and save a lot of money but definitely not as a career.
Brother, that under appreciation hits the hardest... as an airplane mechanic i say all your points are valid. pilots and FAs get all the glory... nasty chemicals, years of straight night shift, tools... these kills your passion
My experience as a 20 year old in the field has been I started at a dealership straight after high school. I went into the field knowing I didn’t want to stay in it long term. I started as a quick lane tech doing oil changes. Moved my way up to flat rate there. And after a year got a apprenticeship with the best tech in the dealership. ( we consistently are hitting at least 500 hours) which I have done for just over a year now. It hasn’t been easy at all lots of long days with no lunch’s and late nights sometimes. It’s been great I have gotten what I want out of the industry and will soon move on to bigger and better things. If you want to get into it, it’s not going to be easy you will have long days and you are going to break a bunch of stuff. Especially if you don’t have someone to show you how to do stuff.
35 years ago it was the same thing. I went to school to be an automotive tech and lasted in the business for 6 months. The two dealerships I worked for were not the most honest places around. And I do not mean screwing customers over either. There was always a problem with your paycheck. Wound up going civil service in another career but have no complaints. Ive developed into an advanced hobbyists with a nice car collection. I love my cars but this business was not for me.
At probably a bit more than twice your age, I can unequivocally say you've hit the nail square on the head with this analysis. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I learned from family as kid to some day save money. Tired of taking my vehicle for repair the end paid for still had the same problem. Went to community college to learn how to save time and money. It has paid off family and friends pay for my services. Tried al dealership after 3 years was dismissed as new owner. My job help oil change, service some things to help the techs for bigger jobs. Also test drive vehicles to see if worth trade in and customer complaints. How about the noise air tools and radios at various levels and different stations all crap Very reason went back into finish carpentry.
Hey great video, I started out in 1995 graduated from uti , worked in several dealerships and I love your channel . viewers listen up everything in these videos is 100% truth!
@@ramiroramiror2399 I graduated from uti, my tips is to study hard,read everything twice ,ask a lot of questions and be one of a kind and set yourself apart from the rest. Get as much experience as you can . My instructors were great ,many had 25-40 years of experience. Always be on time and do not be absent, perfect attendance shows you’re not some clown. Do good lab work and work on anything you can . Goto a manufacturer graduate program. Take charge and be your best and it will show. I’m still a mechanic but after almost 30 years , my back is bad and I do have joint issues but that’s expected. Don’t get reeled into tool trucks ,when ya start out ,buy what you need only and build from there . Book hours now are about 47$ , but even at that ,in this economy folks don’t buy work like you’d think. So I do side jobs . I started out making 6$ changin oil in 1995 ,so I’ve come a long way .good luck just focus on your work,don’t give up ,do side jobs and be productive and you’ll go places ,good luck .
I'm looking to switch over to either being a mechanic or electrician at 29. Been doing business work the last 5 years and it's just not for me. Used to always love working on cars with my dad and brother. Then being an electrician just seems like something I'd enjoy. Some people don't mind sitting at a desk all day, but I don't think I can do that anymore.
You're right on the money bro. I've been a mechanic at shops for at least 6 years. Not only do tools get expensive after a while, but mechanics sure are underappreciated, and you do get blamed for minor things. Not gonna lie... sometimes I did mess up, but getting blamed for stupid little minor things is just bogus. Though I still have a passion for being underneath a car, helping people, and buying tools haha. I am doing something else right now, but lately I've been missing being in a shop again. Though when I am remined of the stuff that I would have to deal with again, I'm like, "do I really want to go back?" I wish it was all rainbows and erasing engine codes. It also depends on who you work for, like manangers. I had good ones, but I also had jerks which made it horrible. I may be better off as a side gig mechanic so I can still have that passion. But thanks for reminding me of the truth. Just started watching you too, good stuff. Peace bro and God bless.
Welcome to the channel man, and yea definitely not what some people make it seem to be. I miss the fun times in the dealer but good times don't pay the bills! Gotta do what's best for you and your family.
One major point that was missed in this is that mechanics are underpaid. A lot of places still pay using flat-rate and they just use sometimes arbitrary estimates that decide what you get paid for a job that many times are not accurate or fair. Like you said you have to invest a lot of money in tools, more money than with almost any other trade. However unlike almost every other trade these companies do not want to guarantee you a livable wage for the hours you work. You're basically like a contractor working in the shop but you have no say over what jobs you take and what you get paid. All while pretty much having to have all the skills as every other trade to fix these increasingly complicated vehicles that require more and more specialty tools and knowledge to fix. The compensation for this usually pales in comparison to your investment into this field. It has been like this for years and it still shows no sign of ending anytime soon. This is one of the major reasons for the technician shortage and regardless the companies just refuse to budge. The only way around this is to get into a good independent shop that pays hourly or one of the rare dealers that's actually fair with technicians. The job openings at these kinds of places tend to not come up often and the competition for them is steep due to the fact that good mechanic jobs are hard to come by, so people do not want to leave them. If you can be a good mechanic chances are you can make more money and have better benefits in another trade or field with much less investment, in much less time, much more easily. If you're in this field you need to be in it because you're passionate and not for the money.
My dad is a self employed veteran mechanic and all you said is so true. I know he’s always telling people “mechanics don’t work on their own cars” and I think it’s because, like you said, it’s now a chore and they just spent 10 hours fucking with other peoples cars, why would they “clock off” and then work on their own shit. I wish I’d have learned his skill and crafts, he’s so knowledgeable and has decades of experience and work under his belt. I get sad thinking about how he wanted to pass it off to me, and I couldn’t cut it like he did. The angles, the frustration of not getting things to unscrew or screw on, and the heavy shit you deal with. I spend a couple hours with him and my shoulders and arms are dead for the next day. The pain a mechanic has to deal with is beyond this world imo.
I'm an electrical engineer by day (Mon-Fri) and I love doing auto repair after hours and on weekends. Another thing I noticed about auto repair work, is technical knowledge is a requirement with today's automobiles, and require the use of a computer and oscilloscope. Also, the industry is slowly shifting towards EVs as well, which will have it's own host of tools and knowledge.
This man is absolutely correct. Having spent 34 years as an automotive mechanic professionand I covered more than just most people. I have certifications for aircraft engines. Marine engines 12 years as a heavy equipment mechanic and the United States navy C. B's. And and the reminder in general automotive. So I know my way around the vehicle. Gas diesel doesn't matter automatic transmission standard transmissions doesn't matter. Differential brakes, I've done it and number one. He's absolutely correct about tools. Shops will not buy your tools you have to buy. The should have mentioned one thing here. Don't buy your tools off the tool trucks. You will get snuckered and you're going to spend way more money than you need to. For example, years ago I bought a wrench set 1/4 inch to one inch Snap on French set. I paid almost $500 for that wrench set today. Today you can go down to Harbor freight and by the exact same set from the icon line. 450 dolland I know they're exactly the same because I have taken my wrenches. At her Snap on and looked at the icon and the part numbers are exactly the same. So they're made in the same factory. The only thing is you're paying for a price for a name. And the same thing with Mac matco all of those. Don't buy a Snap on toolbox, either go to Harbor freight by US general or by an icon. You're gonna get one hell of a lot. Better quality tool box at a hell of a lot. Less money than you'd pay for anything off the tool trucks. Another point I will point out. Do not work for dealerships. They will s**** y** over no matter what he's right. They treat you like c*** and they will blame you for everything. And here's the one thing he did not mention. You can do the job absolutely perfect, but if something goes astray, a defective part. The dealership is not going to want to eat the cost of that. So what do they do? They f*** over the mechanic? By back flagging the mechanic and not paying him for the job. In other words, when you get back flag, they deducted out of your next pay. Check so in some cases you can lose money. Also I will mention. Flat rate is a doke. You can be the fastest technician in the world. You can be getting paid flat rate but if you have something that is beyond your control. I.e. A bolt break off and it takes a few extra hours to get the job done. Because you have to extract broken bolts or repair stripped threads. Book time does not account for that. Neither does flat rate, so you lose your a** on the job. When when you work in a shop that is paid hourly, you get paid for your time by the hour so if you have a bolt that breaks off and it's a real pain i* t** a** to get the broken bolt out, you're still paid. That is why I will never work for a dealership. Dealerships, quite frankly, in my opinion are a*******, and they're all for them. They don't give a d*** about their mechanics. The bottom line is you're better off to work for a small independent shop getting paid hourly He's absolutely correct about being tough on your body physically. After 34 years my knees were shot. My ankles are done and I have a torn rotator cuff and torn labor death muscle in my shoulder. So my shoulder is wrecked act and I'm only 54 years of age. And they don't tell that. To the young mechanics, he's also spot on about all the chemicals and all the things that you will've come in contact with and back when I first started. They didn't tell you to wear gloves they didn't tell you to wear masks or hearing protectso I'm here so I will tell you this if you look up the national statistics now. Being an automotive mechanic is one of the top 5 of the most hazardous jobs. In the United States.
I’m doing online study currently and having my apprenticeship at this family owned business auto shop. Glad u mentioned about cons working at the dealership. I thought about applying to them and even enroll at UTI. TH-camrs like this Man brings plenty of eye opening realities and this is gem 💎.
I almost went back to school to go into Automotive Technology but at the same time I'm glad I didn't. I ended up working in I.T instead. Automotive Techs just don't get paid like they use to these days much as i like tinkering with cars on the side. I found you that you make way more money working in I.T. You can easily make well into the six figures esp If get into Cloud Computing, System Administration, Networks or Cyber Security. I always had a love and passion for computers too. There's a lot of similarities between the two different fields esp analyzing trouble shooting, diagnosing and resolving problems. I resolve trouble tickets.
currently in automotive and if you dont mind me asking how would i go about getting into that field i currently have an associate degree in automotive at the moment
@@mar-uh9ob I would look into the CompTIA certifications esp the A+ certifications and then start applying for Help Desk or IT Support jobs in your area. While you gain IT experience, I would continue to keep training and teaching yourself and gather a few more certifications but this all depends on what your focus area is rather you want to go into Networking, Cyber Security, System Administration, Cloud or DevOps Engineers etc. Ficture our what your interest are start training in those skill sets.
I have had an office job for close to 20 years now, doing engineering type work. Yes sometimes I really wish for work that is more tangible, with my hands. Always dealing with questions and issues in the math/technical realm can be a real pain in the butt. But instead of switching to be a mechanic, I do small jobs on my own car (engine oil change, brake pads/rotor swaps, etc...).
I came from automotive to the diesel field and I wouldn’t change a thing, I went to the academy my job provides and after 6 months from hire date to now I’m making a ton more than I was told I could make at automotive
@@fl5099 it’s tough work and very much so manual labor, but if you move up the ranks and become a tech it’s worth the money, I don’t know if I’m allowed to say it on here but I recommend Loves travel stops if you have one nearby they have a diesel tech program that is worth going to
@@fl5099It’s extremely hard work. Very heavy lifting especially brake drums. You have easier days though but more money and more options. You can do it. Just go to any diesel shop and tell them you have no experience but eager to learn that’s what I did
I’m a new tech at Chrysler Dodge ram I work for a lot of older people in there 60s some 70s that know a lot I barely knew how to change all when I started and they just throw me into stuff like replacing a transmission and they sit back and watch and laugh the whole timeeventually come over and make sure I’m doing all right. Great guys and I’ve learned a lot from them does not pay very good though, but the experience I’m getting from these guys is worth way more than any school.
I graduated high school in 1969 and went to work at a Lincoln Mercury dealer as a mechanics helper. With in a few months I noticed that the 50 and 60 year old guys that I worked with, hated the job. I didn't want to end up that way so I went to a local university, sold my tuchus to the Army and got a degree in engineering. I worked as an engineer 40 hours per week and fixed up cars, did home repairs, and built a house in my off time. All trades require you to have tools. I've collected tools all of my life. Now that I'm retired, I still fix up cars for my use and I restore antique garden tractors. Good video. Good Luck, Rick
I appreciate ya, My friend owns his own business on a farm. Has his own lift and smart just like you and his neck and back is taking the toll. Hats off to you Nikko.
I was a mech off and on since 15. 60 now. I watched cars go from easily repaired rwd cars to impossible fwd rolling computers. I do my own work and for select customers but todays cars are total crap. Air bags are nothing but bombs scattered around the car and can be set off by accident and can hurt you badly. Scan tools are great but they are only a guideline. Wiring degradation was bad on 80s Fords but even worse today as one bad wire can take a whole car down. You got to know the systems inside and out. I'll be straight up honest, and you can call me a girly-man for this but I do use my cherry picker to lift and lower cast iron heads from under a hood, especially straight 6 heads. I want to keep my back.
If your heart is not 100% into it. It don’t matter what you do. If you are in the field just for the tools and gadgets, you are definitely in the wrong field. To be a happy mechanic you just gotta know how the shit works and how to diagnose it effectively aaaand doing all that thinking and believing your are doing what you love, you are living a dream. Otherwise prepare to battle until you quit or love it, either or you can’t have both.
Thanks for the video ! I've been watching your channel for a while being on the fence about becoming a mechanic. Lots of people will give reasons to not do it but I think there are reasons people are still doing it today. I love cars and the passion is what keeps pointing me in this direction instead of some college degree or a different trade. I hope to be able to learn how to wrench, drive the shit out of my cars, break them, and do it all over again. If I can become a great technician in the process I think I would be satisfied.
I've owned several businesses. After entering the traditional workforce, and hating it, I am getting certified and opening my own shop. The wealthiest guy I worked for was a mechanic and owned a shop. I'll do it his way and not have to drive an hour to work minimum wage. They'll come to me.
12 years exp, ase master, emergency vehicle (evt) certified and toyota certified, ive worked at 7 different shops. glad you mention toxic chemicals, many people tent to miss that aspect. also toxic work environments. flat rate is more often than not a scam. shitty benefits for the most part. upward mobility is rare past a certain point. people who say this is a good job haven't done it for long, dont have a realistically sustainable job, or are an extremely rare exception. most successful technicians seem to find their way out of traditional mechanic work or remain miserable..
Don’t forget. You rarely get praised for all the jobs you do right, but you’ll definitely hear about the rare instance when a job that goes south! I’ve been a tech at a dealership for 39 years. I’m a 6’4 diesel tech. My feet are numb. I have degenerative disc disease which is the term used for worn out discs. My hamstrings are constantly cramping up and the back of my legs are partially numb due to nerve damage from my back. I’ve had quite a few epidurals. My hands always cramp up. Walking short distances is a chore. I could go on. Anyone entertaining the idea of doing the long term should seriously. reconsider!
Why should you get 'praised' for doing your job? You're getting paid for it. If you screw up, of course you should 'hear' about it, because it is wasted money.
@@pizzaparty-r1c Because when you finally grow up and spend time in the work world, no amount of money will make up for the absence of gratitude, a sense of confidence, working with people who aren't a horse's backside, the sort of things that will make you want to get out of bed in the morning. If the only contact you have with superiors is ugly contact, guess what that does to your mind and and emotions and self confidence?
This day and age you gotta be a bad ass to be a true mechanic and not a parts changer. Mad props to all the mechanics for sure. (Electrician 6 years here)
Right now currently saving up and going back to school (8years as a tech). Everything is getting expensive makes working as a flagging tech difficult I’d rather be focused on a career then a dead end trade. Fortunately I pay little rent so I can get away making major changes on the spot.
I grew up working in my grandma's full service gas station and mechanic shop. I started working at a Chevy dealership when I was 17 and worked for them till I was 22. The money was great in the summer but I'd starve in November and December. I ended up becoming an Millwright and doing mechanic work on turbines, compressors and gearboxes at oil refineries and chemical plants. Right now I'm making $46.32 an hour as a rotating equipment specialist and get more overtime than I really want. My advice to young guys who enjoy working on cars and equipment. Come be an industrial mechanic and make more money, have your employer supply the tools and keep the auto mechanic stuff as a hobby.
Another bit of advice for you young guys working as auto mechanics. STAY OFF THOSE TOOL TRUCKS! If you think you need a certain tool, by the cheaper version of it. If you find that tool is vital to making your hours, go get a quality version after you've made some money with the cheaper tool. Nothing sucks worse than being in a slump and only running 25 hours a week and having most of what you made last week going to pay the minimum payment to the Snap on/ Mac/ Matco guy in the parking lot.
America sucks in just about every trade. All the fat cats raking in the dough and the ones actually doing the work are treated like lowlife slaves. It's about like the war veterans who are homeless, penniless, and jumping off bridges while the government taxes the crap out of workers and pays illegals to live for free with a higher standard than the people who work 2 jobs to cover bills.
I spent twenty plus years as a dealership technician. I usually didn’t ask for a raise unless I had an offer from another dealer. I would then go to my current employer and ask if they were willing to match the offer. They didn’t want to match the offer but I wasn’t bluffing. I told them goodbye and moved on. So yeah, I agree usually the only way to get a raise was to move on to a better offer. My average time per job was somewhere around 3 1/2 years. When I left wrenching I worked the same job for twenty three years before retiring.
Working at professional businesses (other than low pay service type jobs), you realize everything changes as soon as you bring up the fact you've been looking at other businesses, have an offer from somewhere else. Nothing from that day forward will be the same on your job, so you better be pretty dead ready to leave as soon as you bring that up. What is less consequential is asking for a raise. That can imply you've been looking around, but not necessarily. That can imply you're not satisfied, but not necessarily. But, the moment you bring up another business offer, your employer knows you've taken initiative to set about to leave. Nothing will be the same from that day forward.
@@exothermal.sprocket well said...always have a backup plan...bluffing rarely works. But don't burn the bridge when you leave a job...I accepted some offers to return to a dealership that I previously left.
Dam dude your 100% correct about being a mechanic. I went into diesel mechanics straight after high school went to college for it and been working in the field ever since I first loved it but now slowly hating it because always in pain, more you do more they want you to do. Pay sucks at first and takes a along time to work yourself up. When you get home last thing you want to do is work on a car but someone either in your family has car trouble or a friend. And It just gets old after the years go on, I wish I chose a different career path. Just make sure when you start you need to make some kind of retirement plan because you don’t want to be doing this shit when your a old man, you will be crippled
A friend from high school over 20 years ago dropped out of college and became a car mechanic. When we were in our 20s the people I socialized with were broke but he always had a lot of cash on him and bought project cars to work on as a hobby. It gave me doubts about maybe I should have become a mechanic too. However, these days he is still making good money but he is worn out and looks 15 years older than his age. He also gained a lot of weight by eating poorly because the job is so demanding. I figure he will have a burger and fries or similar frequently to get a boost of energy to make it through the day. It is definitely not a job for someone who can’t deal with pain and the beating you take year after year.
@@Harry-rm5is Covered in dirt, grease, and sweat a mechanic is less likely to go to a salad bar for lunch than someone who had a white collar job where they are in an office and the biggest hazard of the day is getting a paper cut. The bad food is absolutely a coping mechanism. High fat and sugar foods with empty calories taste good and release chemicals in the pleasure centers of the brain to give instant relief to the beating a mechanic takes on a daily basis. White collar jobs have their own set of problems with coping. The super high pressure hedge fund managers that are responsible for money in the billions have problems with cocaine use while middle managers under stress abuse alcohol or less intense substances like weed or tobacco.
It’s ok to be a mechanic if you are good in diagnosing a problem and really good in electrical stuff. Then you have what it takes to open your own shop. It does not take a lot to open a shop, but you must save enough money to pay shop rent for at least a year because it takes about that long until your shop can make enough money to pay all your bills including the bills in your home. It will help too if your wife works. I own a shop and currently gross at 100K after a year in business. My goal is to make twice or 200K.
The one thing I'd tell any mechanic today. You better learn electrical, everything you're about to fix, troubleshoot or replace revolves around electrical and controls. Don't buy expensive tools unless it is actually necessary like if you need a torque wrench repetitively accurate to a decimal with a low tolerance. I work now on very large cranes and industrial machinery, for the most part it can be easy or buried behind a pile of immovable hydraulic hoses, it can be quite body wrecking at times. The work I do at home is avoiding mechanics, I do machining instead, CNC, manual, turning, additive and so forth, these things I do very little at work. You're right though, people need mechanics but love to look down their noses at them.
I've always loved tuners and being able to fix my own car. But airplanes are my first love. The industry really needs good troubleshooters. Starting pay at airlines is $40 an hour and top out is around $70 after 5 to 7 years. 2 years to get your A&P license.
@LetsDriftMedia some of the beat troubleshooters I've ever worked with when it comes to avionics have always been young New York guys that work on cars. I'm 33 and will say the lower back arthritis is already setting in tho. Only knock is working outside on the Line in all weather .
Dude you nailed it i dont work on anything after work anymore. Burned out. Its annoying how the idiots who cant fix anything treat us like garbage. But i dont think i could do anything else either. Double edge sword brother. Cheers.
Just got my first job at a Goodyear and I got my toolbox and a lot of tools for free on Craigslist. I had to clean them up and paint them but way better deal than new.
About to start a job working as a remote service tech for what seems like a great company that focuses on the commercial vehicle industry and doesn't have to argue for payment
One of my friend is a mobile mechanic he is certified as well. that guy is a genius though no matter what car you give him he knows how to fix it without taking a long haul day he has crazy memory skills even if he unbolts more than 40 bolts nuts screws he remembers where they all go but anyways he started from the bottom and got tired of his boss so once he did the mobile he remembers all the prices his boss shop charges so he would charge his customers less and yeah he makes 3 thousand a day yup a day sometimes even more . I’m super happy for him he bought a house owns 2 company vehicles and 2 regular cars . So it’s not a bad job if you are the business owner . My other friend who actually owns a real mechanic shop paid off both his houses has 15 employees and owns 2 restaurants with another additional 15 employees different llc . You be surprised though these guys not only work hard but they charge way cheaper than most shops and get more business where most shops hate them because supposedly they’re not following the rules of keeping the price balanced in the market in the area . For example all bmw and European German shops told me a quote on changing a starter with labor is 1400 cheapest I found was 1200 the part is 400 separate and they were all going to give me Bosch brand so I called my friend he got the same starter from his whole sale price for 170 took him 30 minutes to change it I asked him how much would he charge labor for other people he said business is business so he would of said he got the part for the retail price but for about a hour of work and him going to the person or bringing the vehicle to his shop he said in total with part included about 700 if he wanted to he could of charged 900 and still got paid for it but he said bmws always has problems so if they go in for a good price at 700 they’re coming back again more than likely to do the spark plugs next fuel injection cleaning along with brakes rotors bleeding the brakes oil change it adds up . But yeah it’s still a good business if you know how to run a business .
Oh man he hit the nail on the head it is not easy to be a mechanic to me the enjoyment part is when you finish knowing that you completed something so complicated and you are the one who did it feels so good😮
I work at a Ford dealership making $31 hourly. I wouldn't consider myself just as a lube tech because ive done other recalls and jobs that were more complex. By law in California if you buy your own tools they have to pay you $31. I worked at Google as a contractor for 4.5 years and prior to that was in thr medical field. Out if all my jobs i concluded that this is my calling, i enjoy working with my hands especially on diesels. I dont have the feeling of staring at the clock, rather me catching up to the clock. Everyday is different and challenging. I enjoy learning new things everyday and always ask questions. I already invested hella in tools so it would be a waste to leave. This is my own experiences but im glad I became a mechanic. Total years at Ford will be 2 years and prior to that i was a tire technician at Sam's club. So adding all the auto experience its about 3 years under my belt.
Remember, in CA the specific law requires "double minimum wage" for employees required to provide their own tooling. Yes, that is currently $31, since minimum is $15.50. Whenever there is a change to minimum wage, expect a change to your pay too. A $1 increase in minimum is a $2 increase for you.
I agree with the last reason...i was told by many mechanics that if you like working on cars, don't become a mechanic or you will lose interest. Keep it as a hobby. Currently a transit operator and i enjoy working on my car at home...EJ6 (EK9) project, slowly but surely 😊
Very well explained brother. Just keep thinking about that car you had years ago and you still have dreams about it. It keeps me going. I've been restoring muscle cars for 35 years. Who else is going to do this. I can't find any young guys willing to bust their knuckles.😂
I appreciate the truths you have said about the industry. I did it for five years then fifteen on my own on the side. Definitely made more working for myself.
Just turned 19 currently going to school and been working at a shop for 9 months. Plan to do this for a for a few years then move up to an auto management/corporate job after getting a decent amount of experience on vehicles and go up from there.
@@manasseexil1950 They’ll start you off at the bottom usually Lube Tech, they’ll have you their 6-12 months then eventually move you up. I was a Lube Tech for around 8 months before I got moved to C Tech. It varies depending on person because they carefully look at how good you are at your job, how fast you can do it, what’s tool you have available, and if you’re the type of person willing to learn. It takes some time and dedication but in the end the work pays off and you’ll get moved up. Put yourself out there and show people you are willing to work and learn.
Started at a dealership specializing on automatic transmissions in 1986 then got a job as mechanic at a transit bus company, worked there 34 years and got to retire young. Knowing what i know now about being a mechanic, I don't think i would do it again. I have turned to mobile welding now which is alot more satisfying to do.
My issue with the automotive industry is you actually have to work your ass off to make a dollar. I took a break from it for a while and hopped in another industry and I can honestly say in order to make good money you have to hustle unlike other industries! Not to mention the amount of over head in tools, you might as-well start your own business!
It is a commitment to become a mechanic or "technician". What he is saying is true. And it takes time to make it up the ladder. But that is not a bad thing. It gives you time to acquire knowledge from those around you, knowledge you will never get in school alone . Being a Mechanic is like being in construction, mostly on the job training, after the basics, and lots of tools to buy. It is a major commitment and a worthwhile one for those not afraid to work and get dirty. I have $37,000 in tools, and certified as a Master Mechanic in heavy equipment and over the road trucks. It pays quite well. That being said, I also have a Masters Degree in software engineering. Thought it would lead to a well paying job in a clean environment, and when I graduated they offered me a 'whopping' $65k tp start.... I could not afford that kind of pay cut..... $30k less than what I made at the time on commission. I wish I had never gone to college. I could of bought another house for that kind of money and rented it out for additional income. Yes, being a mechanic is tough and requires the kind of work ethic not seen in many people today, but it is so worth it. Just do not underestimate the level of commitment it takes to be good at it. It took years to get to where I am now.
Couldn't agree more with your comment. It can be a very rewarding career financially after you put in the years/investments. Ive been a tech for 11 years now and this past year have made more money than any one of my family members/friends in my personal life aside from those I work with. and thats including people in various careers (law enforcement, medical field, construction, self employed) some of those with fancy college degrees as well as being alot older than me. Not trying to brag at all But my point is this didnt happen overnight. I feel most new/young people these days are too influenced by flashy entrepreneurs/social media and want instant gratification so if they don't start off making 100k+ right off the bat after going to a technical college they are led to believe they are doing it wrong and will chase the next thing with the same mindset.
I spent the last ~6 years as a mechanic starting from scratch, where i live most mechanics don't make over $27/hour with no benefits. I love cars as a hobby, it's literally my escape from life, however, i found that fixing cars for a living was ruining my enjoyment of cars as a hobby. It's definitely not for everyone.
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Just so you're aware, when you mentioned tool buying, federal law says employers have to provide you with any and all tools required to do your job. Look it up. Mechanics need to stop buying their own tools, that responsibility falls on the employer and we both know dealerships can easily afford to invest in their techs
That is true if you are an hourly employee. and if so you are probably making close to min wage. Most jobs in the industry are flatrate pay and in CA state law is they have to pay you double min wage if you supply your own tools.@@COBRO98
Mechanic work is the hardest physical job I've ever done, and I've done many blue-collar jobs. It kicks your ass! Just working on own vehicles, not a professional. Much respect to mechanics.
Pays good when your good nut it's still is one of the most demanding careers... and underestimated if all.
Did warehouse work for 16 years and was a single parent. when my daughter went off to the military I decided to take up automotive at 40 lol, quit my job, sold my house, gave a bunch of stuff away and moved to Hawaii. now I'm 45 and making more than I did at ware house work, I'm one ASE test away from master tech status and never in my life have I been happier. it doesn't matter how long you've been at a job or how old you are, do something you love. life is too short.
Nice man happy for you, in case you are new here are some free ASE study guides that may be of help
drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rZZ-HJJ1reDpruMupih-VFaizWHx7PdU?usp=share_link
drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/1jHkr8RuNgzhyIWzAgUPrv_FxBwQye4RR?usp=sharing
There's a warehouse near me paying 40 an hour for 2 days of work. I'm a young guy but I need a budget part time job to save up for some of these tools, but there's alaos a transportation job next door working on the semi trailers, is that a good idea? I mean like he said it might make it a chore for me :/ but I also have a shop and a welder and a bunch of tools already, feeling like I should work on my own projects
@@NatS8445 If you have a goal for what you want to do or be in life and you need to do other jobs to get there, then that’s ok. Just don’t lose sight of that goal, it’s easy to get stuck in a job because it pays good even when you’re unhappy. I’ve know a lot of unhappy workers who felt they could not leave their job because they had too many years in or didn’t want to start over at a lower pay. Doing what you like everyday for a job is priceless, you shouldn’t be working hard all week only looking forward to the weekend, you should be looking forward to going back to work on Monday to learn something new, or do something that interests you. This is all just my OPINION so do what is best for you. Just make a plan, try not to tell too many people as most will discourage you, then keep working to reach that goal. Life is short 🤙
An automotive technician career is a life long investment. Jobs come and go. Doing something you love and enjoying it is all that matters.
maybe I needed to see this. My life's been crazy. in the past I had some electrical knowledge dealing with the ACE system on an Avenger. learned how to read schematics and troubleshoot 20 years ago. never knew what to do with that knowledge after life happened. I've been studying this. Stay blessed.
From automotive technician to mechanical engineer, I make twice the money and dont come home unable to move from pain. Being a mechanic was rewarding in some ways but I highly recommend taking the drive you may have to learn about how these machines work and apply it to an engineering degree. It is difficult to get the Bachelors but it is far from impossible.
What do you do now for work as an engineer? And how long and how much did it cost to become a mechanical engineer?
I thought about going to school for mechanical engineer. What kind of jobs does it land
@justinhayward5027 Currently work in an MEP firm designing HVAC and Plumbing systems for large health care facilities, it is very rewarding. The cost is dependent on the school and can be greatly reduced if you begin with 2 years at a community college and then transfer to a university ending in a total of 4 years of education.
@almightyracing mechanical engineering is the broadest of all of the engineering disciplines, everything from Aerospace to manufacturing to product development, ultimately most objects you interact with on a daily basis were at one point influenced by a mechanical engineer.
How many years were you and automotive technician? And did you work for a dealer or Indy during that time. Also how long did it take you to finish your degree. I went to community college for automotive technology almost a decade ago and received an associate in applied science. I’m 30 rn and make 90-95k as a train mechanic. Very easy work , but not as rewarding as being a diag tech at a dealer like I was working towards when I was at a Mercedes Benz dealer. I’ve been thinking of making the transition to learning how to code and potentially going back to community college to pursue a computer science degree , being married and having children makes it tougher for a guy like myself but I’m at a transitional part in my life where I think I want to potentially something else during this next decade of my life. Looking for some insight and inspiration. Thanks in advanced.
I knew a guy that loved to work on cars and was a mechanic for a while but ended up leaving the industry. The thing that turned him off was people would neglect their cars until it just had to be repaired. They would then want to spend the very minimum on the repair but expected it to run perfect.
30 year old here. I've been working on cars since I was 16. Worked construction from 18 years old until 25 years old. Went into corrections from 25 to 30. At 30 decided to go work as a mechanic at a dealership. Told them I knew how to work on anything. They started me at 12$ 3 months later got bumped to 22$ flat rate. 4 months after that asked for another raise since I was running circles around their "master techs" got bumped up to 30$ flat rate. Been working 1 year there already. I will be getting another raise after I complete their manufacture training. I do not recommend getting into this field unless you already have real experience working on cars. Flat rate is not for the weak, especially if you're not self driven and a hard worker.
Flat rate is also not for working on old cars in an area where vehicles rust badly.
That last line is a very good point to make tbh because ambition is what gets you more knowledge to earn more
That’s badass bro. Good to hear your crushing it
I am a hard worker but I also like to make sure everything is done clean and right so I’m not one to speed through it and possibly forget something. Imo flat rate encourages shotty work and I’m not going to do it. I work on boats though so it’s a seasonal thing also, I’m not getting shafted all winter
Starting pay rate 34 hr as a maintenance tech. 2 yrs experience
One thing to remember is "the grass is always greener" and every career has problems.
In IT 80% of people are on adderal/ psyc meds for depression and/or anxiety, electricians spend the first decade digging trenches and climbing into 150° attics trying not to fall through the roof or get electrocuted while having rats crawl on them, plumbers obviously have some shitty days too 😂
Plumbers 😁
@tortureddummies1672 Don't do this.
@@felipemotorheadwhy not
@joey9511 as a Plumber i have every day a shit day 😅
“..plumbers have some shitty days too” I see what you did there lmao
17 yrs Diesel Mechanic and on going. I never liked working for a company that deals with sales/economy/customers so I went for a government job and boy it was night and days working for public transportation(bus/train) under Union. Become an apprentice, great benefits, great pay with longevity, no labor charge (Unfinished work just passes on to the next shift), no warranty work, awesome vacation(5 weeks for me), the shop provides tools too, lots of open opportunities to move up but all these examples can vary per states. Bottom line is this is a public transit and not a dealership.
I went to public transit in 2005. Pension, don’t pay out of pocket for insurance, we’re at $57 an hour and will be $59 next november. They can’t find mechanics like most places now so car guys are coming in swearing they’d never go back to dealerships but want to bring their car world ideas with them. They’re ruining what was once a great environment
Congratulations, good for you . Sounds like my job .
How do i apply ? What do i search up far as jobs?
I have been thinking about going to trade school for diesel tech instead of automotive because well they make more, higher demand and I feel automotive is to easy to waste money on school for it so I am deciding between diesel and air frame and power plant
Worked at a dealership on the lube rack for about a year and a half moved up to be a line tech about a year ago. Made more money on the lube rack and had double the head aches. Did lots of repairs for free because the advisors “forgot” to flag me on but always told me they’d “take care of me in the next ticket”…. Never happened started to call them out on their bs and let the service manager know about what they have been doing and nothing ever changed. Got asked if I enjoyed working for the company Monday morning told em “you’re not gonna like what I have too say” and they let me go on the spot. Then called me back about 2 hours later offered me my job back apologizing about letting me go the way they did. Told them I’d think about it. Currently applying to performance shops to actually pursue the career I want.
Wow cant believe that. If they let you go for voicing your opinion when they asked for it good sign that place is not where you want to work for.
@@LetsDriftMedia Yea it kinda pushed me to pursue tuning and motor work oddly.
Performance is not worth it either lmao
@@isorozco511 in what ways?
More power to you Fam! 👍
Mechanics are definitely under appreciated! A lot of knowledge & experience is required to repair modern cars! 🚗
I don't think most people know what a service writer even is, nor do they understand how intelligent you need to be to be a great mechanic. Mechanics have their victories in the seclusion of the garage and people don't know much about it.
On the other hand they will probably be replaced by robots. Cars are already mostly built by robots so that would be the next logical step if they're also serviced by robots. But the mechanics can then service the outlawed Mad Max cars outside of the smart cities.
A computer tells you what to replace and a manual tells you how to do it on these new cars. The old ones require knowledge, experience and intelegence. All 3 not just one.
@Number6_ eh. When you start getting some funky engine problems, the codes will only get you so far. Plenty of mechanics these days replacing a half dozen parts before giving up without fixing the problem, you do actually gotta know what you're doing. And fwiw they had service manuals since the early 70s... but without any sensors or circuits, they were pretty thin.
@@dcgregorya5434 agreeable. As a mechanic myself I have never been in a parts cannon situation, but If I was a customer I would not pay for random parts and work, because the guy does not know what to do.
Many years ago when I worked for someone else. When a customer came to pick up his car and everything was done right the owner of the shop would say he did it. When the owner never worked on anything. When there was a come back the owner would tell the customer I did it.
I worked as a dealership technician for a few years after going to tech school. It wasn't long before I realized that the work was really hard on your body over time. The few older guys had n the shop all had bad knees and/or bad backs. So I looked for other opportunities using my skill set. I ended up working at a big pharmaceutical company as a machine mechanic. Indoor work, tools supplied by the company, regular hours, overtime pay. It was a dream come true. Then I got promoted to shop supervisor. Then department manager. Now I run the whole department and make almost $200k a year. All from being a dealership technician. So just remember that your skill set can take you places if you make the effort.
Wow.
As a middle aged tech on my way out of this hellscape of a profession my advice for those thinking of getting into the automotive side of this industry is, if you want to work on your dream car/truck become a mechanic, if you want to own/enjoy your dream car/truck pick a different trade preferably a licensed one.
I was a Nissan and ASE master tech back in 1987. Still in the business as a successful manager. I never forgot where I came from. I would occasionally change my clothes and go help the techs in the shop. Wanted them to know i wasn't better than them, I just had a different role. With all of the large Dealer groups and publicly traded dealer groups that has gotten almost impossible to do. It seams to be profit over your people. I have a problem with that. Vehicles have gotten so technical and expensive along with increased customer expectations that it's difficult to balance. I will say, all of the service writers and most of the service managers couldn't fix a sandwich let alone a vehicle. I still have 10's of thousands of dollars worth of tools and try to take new techs under my wing to help them be successful. I've always remembered, it's not me, it's we.
A very meaningful comment, so humble man.
A 4 year backyard diy mechanic here and build a small shop.
Now on the tip whether gonna proceed to auto techschool or not having that said i need to also focus in different expenses for my family.
Still in the verge whether i'll continue to do this. Or not,
Or i may just by hitting some regular pms , basic repairs again for the clients after. I see my self not into going deep trouble shooting and full rebuilds of engines & transmission.
Rather focus into light troubleshooting & diagnosis + pms.
Yin Yang mechanic …balance perception at its finest
Couldn't fix a sandwich...a new favorite of mine.
I changed careers into a Diesel Mechanic from 15 years of warehousing. I made more money in warehousing at a very well known brewery. However, it took me 10 years to make $28/hr in warehousing (here in PA), but it took me a little over a year to make that as a “new guy” in the Diesel Industry. Learn a lot, show your value, and leave a shop when your being under paid, you’ll almost always get a raise this way. You can make the money, but sometimes it doesn’t feel worth it with all you gotta know, continuous training, tools, beating up your body, etc. Gotta ask yourself if the game is worth the candle.
You brought up some important points. The fact the job is physically demanding. It’s very hard and the older you get the worse it becomes. You won’t see many techs over 50 for this reason. Most people have no idea how much techs invest in tools. It’s an ongoing expense. Others in the trades spend very little in comparison. It’s not an easy way to make a living.
36 years working on semi trucks I love it. Own my own 24 hr truck repair business.
So many negative comments about this field I’m planning on going to school soon to become a tech and eventually wanna own my own business. Wish you the best
No one is born wrenching every mechanic or every tech has learned in field and in all honesty whoever puts in the work will move up the fastest
When I was young I wanted to become a mechanic, but I ended up in IT/Data Warehousing as a career ($170k/yr). I have no regrets. But I agree with you, my passion is still cars and fixing/restoring them, but I do it as therapy on some weekends to get away from other stresses. I do all my own work (from fluids, bearings, brakes, timing belts/chains, engine swaps). So it’s a hobby and from time to time I fix friends and family cars if they can’t afford certain major repairs.
I want to be like that 👍🏿
That's me ryt there
Man you nailed it 100%. I wrenched for over 40yrs. & everything you said happened to me. Cars where fun back in the day , now you need to be a computer genius. I still have 11 cars/trucks, they just sit around. I'm so burnt out i bring my daily driver to the oil change place.
I learned that passion lesson when I was 17, and didn't listen. worked a lot of my life for the $ , re-discovered passion at age 70, going strong. best of luck to you, bright young guy
10 years for me and i went from loving cars to hating cars to loving them again after i left the business
I've been a heavy fleet mechanic for 10 years. It's killed cars as a hobby for me. I'm so burnt out on working on my own stuff that I let the dealership deal with most of it
You forgot the part about cars getting more technical and over-engineered making a typical hour long job take longer with more parts to remove. To all the auto engineers out there… If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Nearing 30, been working on cars since about 17. Went to the oil field for a bit, led me to hd diesel.. tech school led to $25/hr start, a few yrs in I found myself in calibration engineer for autonomous semis. Now in maintenance engineering for autonomous robotics looking into going back to school for electrical & controls engineering..
Though I miss turning wrenches some days, the toll working on hd equipment took is insane.. not to mention that spark and burning passion I once had now being simmering ash.. I can honestly say that I don’t regret my path, as what I loved doing for a period paid the bills for years thereafter and will forever be something I can call on if or when needed..
I implore those curious about being a tech to truly weigh out options.
I firmly believe in growth.. if you are coming in chasing money, tool badging or dreams, you very well may find disappointment one day. However, the journey to attain a skill set that may lead you to other opportunities in the future…that’s something no one can ever take away from you.
Facts. I'm in the autobody industry and I went to college for it and have been doing it for 23 years. I tell people all the time that now is a bad time to get into it. I used to enjoy it back when you could make good money. Now, the insurance companies are keeping us from making money. Also, hard to get parts. Some parts are on back order. I've had to resort to Ebay and Amazon to get stuff.
Most things you said it's true, I have been a mechanic 30+ years I can say I regret it, had I put an effort into becoming a lawyer, medical field, union job my life would have been completely different. you are always under paid, cars there is no room to work on, the book always says way less time than the actual job takes because it was written for the advantage of the manufacturer to pay less for warrantee work, customers they don't want to pay always arguing.
working on cars for 20 years.. I agree with him. Nagging back and shoulder pains. Wish someone wouldve told me. The one positive thing is alot of what you do can be a stepping stone to other things. Plumbing and electrical for example.
Dude you NAILED IT. Without getting all worked up into a rant , like I would . You really hit on all the major points. Especially being underapreciated .
Worked at auto precision tune for 5 years in 03 to 08. What you say a lot is true. It's a thankless job until the boss really needs you.
From a shop b*tch, to parts runner, pressure washer guy, shop cleaner within 3-5 months mechanics started getting fired, showed my self /skills now running the field service truck for construction equipment with crane, welder, hydraulic tank, oil tank, wastetank you name it started at 18$ now at 32$ in 2 & half yrs and much more room to grow in pay. no school just youtube University for me and its worked out great for what i want/ need to learn. yes tools are expensive but you dont need everything from tool trucks im talking the expensive brands. 90% tools are off the Internet/retail stores 10% tool trucks with only specialty tools that will be hard to warranty at other places . its not for everyone and name brand tools dont make the mechanic.
Hope to bring these skills when i am able to open my own business.
Name brand tools don't make the tech, but, at the same time, after you've punched the metal inside of a car because your ratchet slipped, you start spending a little more. That being said there is plenty of shit in my box from harbor freight.
I am glad that you are describing the automotive repair industry for how it is. I was one of those with a idealized vision of what it would be like repairing cars professionally until I got into it. Having the mechanical skills & passion will often be NOT enough to make up for the flaws of the flat rate system & all the money you have to invest in tools. My take would be for the would-be mechanic to listen to your advice & have a plan to ultimately move into parts, service writing, or management, or fleet service. The flat-rate system was probably instituted for the lazy mechanics, but it hurts the good mechanics the most. Who wants to be rushed when they are fixing a complicated repair? Who wants to work 40 hours a week & sometimes be payed less than?
i see....
56 here. I love wrenching but have experienced everything you talked about in this video...and still do. This is a very good, comprehensive video and it's perfect for those who don't know what they are getting into. Well done man, I'm subbing.
Started working for the county 5 years ago making 22$ bucks an hour doing lube tech work and tires. I worked my way up to full automotive mechanic and now make 45$ an hour + 4$ night differential for working swing shift. It was honestly the best move I ever made in my career. I used to work at the Chevy dealership making double minimum and the pay cut hurt in the beginning but in the long run it paid out more than what I thought… honestly as mechanic you make a better living working for the local government I.e cities-counties
What part of the country do you live?
South Texas for the county pays no where near 45. Thanks
@@Jeffrey_Gauntt Santa Clara County-California. All of our pay salaries are public, you can look them up on the internet @ Santa Clara county job specs and salaries
Santa Clara County-California
@@48fleet ahh yeah that makes sense
I am retired now and work part time at a car dealership in the parts department. A few years ago they went from hourly to flat rate for the techs. Half the techs quit within 6 months and they now have a turnover problem. The most experienced techs who got the toughest jobs weren’t making enough on the book rate while the less experienced guys getting the simpler jobs were the ones who if they hustled could bang them out and make a little extra. But one other thing that happened was the experienced guys no longer were willing or able to help the junior techs because if they were not working their jobs they were losing money. And I agree - the techs get blamed for everything wether it is their fault or not.
Thank you for your honesty for the ones considering being a mechanic. I worked 18 years as a heavy equipment mechanic. Low pay and high price tools at that time. I have recently checked some tool truck prices, and they are extremely higher than when i was working as a mechanic. I really enjoyed the work but i never felt like the pay was any where it should have been. You always hear tales about some body making a mint, but you never come close to it. The ones that are sucessful are usually independent and broke away from dealerships. These ones will tell you it is extreamley diffcult, and very costly to keep up with technology if you can find reliable sources of repair information.
After graduating my 2 year automotive program, I was stuck in the lube rack for about 3-4 years before I started doing floater/main shop work. If anyone of you guys make it into the main shop regardless of having a degree or not. Strive to learn everything you can. Even electrical diag and heavier jobs. It will make you more valuable not just in your current shop but in any other shop/industry you are trying to move over to. In this industry, having a degree isn't going to give you an upper hand over someone who came out of high school or with lesser education. However that degree will open up so many other doors outside of the automotive industry. I now work for a very well known semiconductor company as a equipment tech and make double of what i was making as a auto tech. That degree and my experience is how i got the job for that company.
I’m 18 and applied two days ago for auto tech. I hope to do collision repair or rebuilding.
I could of been a union pipe fitter but... decided I wanted to turn work on cars for a living. Many times I have thought to myself why it was super rough in the beginning school tool bills no money flat rate etc... I hated it for a long time made me bitter towards the trade. Now two decades later it's different due to the fact left the toxic dealer world ans went to a major utility company fleet. It's way different some days are eazy other days you find yourself having to drop what you are doing and have to rescue a boom truck 125 feet in the air. It's 24/7 now with call outs break downs or storm but the end of the day I love for different reasons now the trucks I fix provide a service people need.... our saying in fleet in my company is WITHOUT US THEY WALK.
Gotta love how unappreciated you are as a tech. When you see your nurse friends averaging 90k a yr all over the US and theyre not even 30 yet or your it/tech friends in the 6 figures but you struggling to hit that after 10 yrs makes you re-evaluate your career. Mechanics are no dumber than those other professions either. I’ve never seen so many dealers desperate for techs before in my life. I love seeing them suffer after years of shafting me. Glad i woke up and quit. Glad it worked out for you Nick.
If wages where fair ud get better techs. Labor unions at least force a living wage for dangerous skilled work. ASE Mechanics should unionize- ex ASE cert tech
I definitely have to agree with you on everything you said… I started out helping my neighbor on his race car and got to go with him to 3 different drag strips and there I got to meet a lot of those famous guys in PA MD and NJ. I was a machinist and toolmaker but always did this work on the side. Today I’m so physically messed up from all that hard labor I wish I could have changed coarse. I always wanted to be a Lawyer and I should’ve went that road instead…
I spent my entire working life 35+ years as a full time mechanic. This man totally nails it, listen to this guy he knows. My greatest choice was going to work as a fleet mechanic (for the government) at age 36. That job came with a very good pension I was able to retire at age 56 thanks to that choice. I have no regrets but will tell you that this career choice is not an easy path. Constant ASE Renewals, CA Smog License Recertifications requiring weekend classes, DMV Commercial Drivers License, with Hazmat and Tanker endorsements, Freezing cold, wind, heat, chemicals, ever changing technology, drilling out broken exhaust manifold studs, gas running down your arm, blah , blah, blah. I paid Snap On every week forever LOL. Work on the smallest vehicles as possible, it usually pays the same and will not kill you as quickly.
I was a tech for years and agree with all of this.
Especially the last minutes of the video. I am so grateful when people don’t ask me to fix their vehicle, even though I usually know how
I work on cranes. Im alone have a truck and i will never be a dealer mechanic ever again. We dont get enough money. I have alot of pain too.
Totally agree I went head first into it because I want to wrench doesn’t mean it’s easy for sure. I have 4k between my tool box, tool cart, and basic tools and I barely scratched the surface
You sir are 100% right on these especially your last point. We all got into this field to work on cars, make them better and or repair. We did it because we wanted to be some of the best in our fields, masters of our craft. What we didn't know was how terrible the industry is. It turns our passion, into misery. It turns our skilled passion into regret. It uses's our time and experience invested knowledge against us. There is a very common misconception about techs, well truth be told, we aren't machines. We are humans like everyone else and we make mistakes. We aren't immune to sickness, or health issues. We aren't immune to fatigue and exhaustion. We aren't exempt from having a bad day or being tired or not feeling well. We have the same responsibilities of human adulthood just like everyone else. Contrary to popular belief, we don't work for charity. We do what we do to earn our income just like everyone else.
Right now, my parents are trying to push me into this because I love cars, but I don't want to be a mechanic, and they will just not stop drilling it into me that I must become one. You summed up my basic argument in far better words than I could articulate, but they don't listen. It's impossible to tell them that this field isn't what they think it is, but thank you for this comment.
@@zbj4240 If you are into cars, id say keep it as a hobby. You may like cars but it doesn't mean you will like fixing them everyday. Modding them for a purpose is much different than having to fix them for someone else. If you want to pursue a passion in cars, do it on the media side of it. Let everyone else spend the money, you can just record the moments. I wish I knew and understood this in when I was younger.
@JayDLC123 That's what I've heard other mechanics say. My dad won't hear that, he has his mind set on making me into an employee for a Mechanic Shop he wants to start. I'm not letting anyone steer my life in a direction I don't want to go in, including my family. I would happily work on my own cars, but I don't want to work on Camry's, Priuses, and Teslas, lol. Especially when I can make more money, doing something less physically demanding.
I just transitioned into teaching auto shop at a high school . I’m just one month in and it has been an amazing gig so far. I’m looking forward to the 4 weeks of vacation by the time this new semester rolls around.
Nice man, Ive always wanted to teach at a school but not sure about their pay. Hope it goes well for you!
Here's an idea to save your back and legs. Get old computer chairs, one to sit on and the other to use as a work table. Using them to sit on and place tools/parts makes life so much easier. Been working this way for a few years now. Needs a reasonably flat floor for those small wheels to run on. With my large tool box on a garden dolley/trolley I do not have to run back and fore to the tool chest.
When I think back to the way my Dad worked with the car in the air - back arched and neck craning, tools put in pockets, balanced on suspension members, or just dropped on the floor.
It was no wonder he had health problems and often lost spanners and sockets.
If you have a pit or roll around under a car then there is no alternative, but with a two or four post ramp we can improve the way we work on chassis jewelry (and oil changes).
Yes, that is helpful, until the part you have to replace is 2ft. under the dashboard, and held on by 6 inaccessible screws. Standing on your head IS a mechanical requirement on cars.
I was an aircraft mechanic for many years and pretty much the same deal. Also lousy pay for what you have to know. Being tied to a large airport was no fun either.
I can attest to this. I worked for an airfreight company for 2 months during a miserable winter, they put me on a split shift. I did automotive, and a little diesel for 5 years. Dusted off my A&P license and now work for a flight school where the pilots and students appreciate us. Personally, I will never touch the airlines.
Being appreciated goes such a long way, it makes the work enjoyable and motivates me to do a quality job.
When I was 18 I graduated from a trade school. My first job was at a ford dealership. It didn’t take long to realize I didn’t want to to do this work for the rest of my career. I decided to go to college I earned my bachelor’s degree while working as a mechanic. I now work in a specialty security field making just as much if not more than a master tech. I still repair my own vehicles and save a lot of money but definitely not as a career.
What didn’t you like about your job?
currently work at a ford dealership and if you dont mind me asking what exactly are you doing now for work ? seems interesting
Nuclear power plant security
Brother, that under appreciation hits the hardest... as an airplane mechanic i say all your points are valid. pilots and FAs get all the glory... nasty chemicals, years of straight night shift, tools...
these kills your passion
My experience as a 20 year old in the field has been I started at a dealership straight after high school. I went into the field knowing I didn’t want to stay in it long term. I started as a quick lane tech doing oil changes. Moved my way up to flat rate there. And after a year got a apprenticeship with the best tech in the dealership. ( we consistently are hitting at least 500 hours) which I have done for just over a year now. It hasn’t been easy at all lots of long days with no lunch’s and late nights sometimes. It’s been great I have gotten what I want out of the industry and will soon move on to bigger and better things. If you want to get into it, it’s not going to be easy you will have long days and you are going to break a bunch of stuff. Especially if you don’t have someone to show you how to do stuff.
35 years ago it was the same thing. I went to school to be an automotive tech and lasted in the business for 6 months. The two dealerships I worked for were not the most honest places around. And I do not mean screwing customers over either. There was always a problem with your paycheck. Wound up going civil service in another career but have no complaints. Ive developed into an advanced hobbyists with a nice car collection. I love my cars but this business was not for me.
At probably a bit more than twice your age, I can unequivocally say you've hit the nail square on the head with this analysis. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I learned from family as kid to some day save money.
Tired of taking my vehicle for repair the end paid for still had the same problem.
Went to community college to learn how to save time and money.
It has paid off family and friends pay for my services.
Tried al dealership after 3 years was dismissed as new owner.
My job help oil change, service some things to help the techs for bigger jobs.
Also test drive vehicles to see if worth trade in and customer complaints.
How about the noise air tools and radios at various levels and different stations all crap
Very reason went back into finish carpentry.
Hey great video, I started out in 1995 graduated from uti , worked in several dealerships and I love your channel . viewers listen up everything in these videos is 100% truth!
Are you currently still a mechanic? How much are you making? I'm about to graduate and gonna start a course at UTI, Any information will help :)
@@ramiroramiror2399 I graduated from uti, my tips is to study hard,read everything twice ,ask a lot of questions and be one of a kind and set yourself apart from the rest. Get as much experience as you can . My instructors were great ,many had 25-40 years of experience. Always be on time and do not be absent, perfect attendance shows you’re not some clown. Do good lab work and work on anything you can . Goto a manufacturer graduate program. Take charge and be your best and it will show. I’m still a mechanic but after almost 30 years , my back is bad and I do have joint issues but that’s expected. Don’t get reeled into tool trucks ,when ya start out ,buy what you need only and build from there . Book hours now are about 47$ , but even at that ,in this economy folks don’t buy work like you’d think. So I do side jobs . I started out making 6$ changin oil in 1995 ,so I’ve come a long way .good luck just focus on your work,don’t give up ,do side jobs and be productive and you’ll go places ,good luck .
I'm looking to switch over to either being a mechanic or electrician at 29. Been doing business work the last 5 years and it's just not for me. Used to always love working on cars with my dad and brother. Then being an electrician just seems like something I'd enjoy.
Some people don't mind sitting at a desk all day, but I don't think I can do that anymore.
You're right on the money bro. I've been a mechanic at shops for at least 6 years. Not only do tools get expensive after a while, but mechanics sure are underappreciated, and you do get blamed for minor things. Not gonna lie... sometimes I did mess up, but getting blamed for stupid little minor things is just bogus. Though I still have a passion for being underneath a car, helping people, and buying tools haha.
I am doing something else right now, but lately I've been missing being in a shop again. Though when I am remined of the stuff that I would have to deal with again, I'm like, "do I really want to go back?" I wish it was all rainbows and erasing engine codes. It also depends on who you work for, like manangers. I had good ones, but I also had jerks which made it horrible.
I may be better off as a side gig mechanic so I can still have that passion. But thanks for reminding me of the truth. Just started watching you too, good stuff. Peace bro and God bless.
Welcome to the channel man, and yea definitely not what some people make it seem to be. I miss the fun times in the dealer but good times don't pay the bills! Gotta do what's best for you and your family.
One major point that was missed in this is that mechanics are underpaid. A lot of places still pay using flat-rate and they just use sometimes arbitrary estimates that decide what you get paid for a job that many times are not accurate or fair. Like you said you have to invest a lot of money in tools, more money than with almost any other trade. However unlike almost every other trade these companies do not want to guarantee you a livable wage for the hours you work. You're basically like a contractor working in the shop but you have no say over what jobs you take and what you get paid. All while pretty much having to have all the skills as every other trade to fix these increasingly complicated vehicles that require more and more specialty tools and knowledge to fix. The compensation for this usually pales in comparison to your investment into this field. It has been like this for years and it still shows no sign of ending anytime soon. This is one of the major reasons for the technician shortage and regardless the companies just refuse to budge. The only way around this is to get into a good independent shop that pays hourly or one of the rare dealers that's actually fair with technicians. The job openings at these kinds of places tend to not come up often and the competition for them is steep due to the fact that good mechanic jobs are hard to come by, so people do not want to leave them. If you can be a good mechanic chances are you can make more money and have better benefits in another trade or field with much less investment, in much less time, much more easily. If you're in this field you need to be in it because you're passionate and not for the money.
My dad is a self employed veteran mechanic and all you said is so true. I know he’s always telling people “mechanics don’t work on their own cars” and I think it’s because, like you said, it’s now a chore and they just spent 10 hours fucking with other peoples cars, why would they “clock off” and then work on their own shit. I wish I’d have learned his skill and crafts, he’s so knowledgeable and has decades of experience and work under his belt. I get sad thinking about how he wanted to pass it off to me, and I couldn’t cut it like he did. The angles, the frustration of not getting things to unscrew or screw on, and the heavy shit you deal with. I spend a couple hours with him and my shoulders and arms are dead for the next day. The pain a mechanic has to deal with is beyond this world imo.
I'm an electrical engineer by day (Mon-Fri) and I love doing auto repair after hours and on weekends. Another thing I noticed about auto repair work, is technical knowledge is a requirement with today's automobiles, and require the use of a computer and oscilloscope. Also, the industry is slowly shifting towards EVs as well, which will have it's own host of tools and knowledge.
This man is absolutely correct. Having spent 34 years as an automotive mechanic professionand I covered more than just most people.
I have certifications for aircraft engines. Marine engines 12 years as a heavy equipment mechanic and the United States navy C. B's. And and the reminder in general automotive. So I know my way around the vehicle. Gas diesel doesn't matter automatic transmission standard transmissions doesn't matter. Differential brakes, I've done it and number one. He's absolutely correct about tools. Shops will not buy your tools you have to buy. The should have mentioned one thing here. Don't buy your tools off the tool trucks. You will get snuckered and you're going to spend way more money than you need to. For example, years ago I bought a wrench set 1/4 inch to one inch Snap on French set. I paid almost $500 for that wrench set today. Today you can go down to Harbor freight and by the exact same set from the icon line. 450 dolland I know they're exactly the same because I have taken my wrenches. At her Snap on and looked at the icon and the part numbers are exactly the same. So they're made in the same factory. The only thing is you're paying for a price for a name.
And the same thing with Mac matco all of those. Don't buy a Snap on toolbox, either go to Harbor freight by US general or by an icon. You're gonna get one hell of a lot. Better quality tool box at a hell of a lot. Less money than you'd pay for anything off the tool trucks.
Another point I will point out. Do not work for dealerships. They will s**** y** over no matter what he's right. They treat you like c*** and they will blame you for everything. And here's the one thing he did not mention. You can do the job absolutely perfect, but if something goes astray, a defective part. The dealership is not going to want to eat the cost of that. So what do they do? They f*** over the mechanic? By back flagging the mechanic and not paying him for the job. In other words, when you get back flag, they deducted out of your next pay. Check so in some cases you can lose money. Also I will mention. Flat rate is a doke. You can be the fastest technician in the world. You can be getting paid flat rate but if you have something that is beyond your control. I.e. A bolt break off and it takes a few extra hours to get the job done. Because you have to extract broken bolts or repair stripped threads. Book time does not account for that. Neither does flat rate, so you lose your a** on the job. When when you work in a shop that is paid hourly, you get paid for your time by the hour so if you have a bolt that breaks off and it's a real pain i* t** a** to get the broken bolt out, you're still paid. That is why I will never work for a dealership. Dealerships, quite frankly, in my opinion are a*******, and they're all for them. They don't give a d*** about their mechanics. The bottom line is you're better off to work for a small independent shop getting paid hourly
He's absolutely correct about being tough on your body physically. After 34 years my knees were shot. My ankles are done and I have a torn rotator cuff and torn labor death muscle in my shoulder. So my shoulder is wrecked act and I'm only 54 years of age.
And they don't tell that. To the young mechanics, he's also spot on about all the chemicals and all the things that you will've come in contact with and back when I first started. They didn't tell you to wear gloves they didn't tell you to wear masks or hearing protectso I'm here so I will tell you this if you look up the national statistics now. Being an automotive mechanic is one of the top 5 of the most hazardous jobs. In the United States.
Right on!!!
I’m doing online study currently and having my apprenticeship at this family owned business auto shop. Glad u mentioned about cons working at the dealership. I thought about applying to them and even enroll at UTI. TH-camrs like this Man brings plenty of eye opening realities and this is gem 💎.
I almost went back to school to go into Automotive Technology but at the same time I'm glad I didn't. I ended up working in I.T instead. Automotive Techs just don't get paid like they use to these days much as i like tinkering with cars on the side. I found you that you make way more money working in I.T. You can easily make well into the six figures esp If get into Cloud Computing, System Administration, Networks or Cyber Security. I always had a love and passion for computers too. There's a lot of similarities between the two different fields esp analyzing trouble shooting, diagnosing and resolving problems. I resolve trouble tickets.
currently in automotive and if you dont mind me asking how would i go about getting into that field i currently have an associate degree in automotive at the moment
@@mar-uh9ob I would look into the CompTIA certifications esp the A+ certifications and then start applying for Help Desk or IT Support jobs in your area. While you gain IT experience, I would continue to keep training and teaching yourself and gather a few more certifications but this all depends on what your focus area is rather you want to go into Networking, Cyber Security, System Administration, Cloud or DevOps Engineers etc. Ficture our what your interest are start training in those skill sets.
Retired last year after 38 years, everything you say is true. I was lucky and never injured.
I have had an office job for close to 20 years now, doing engineering type work. Yes sometimes I really wish for work that is more tangible, with my hands. Always dealing with questions and issues in the math/technical realm can be a real pain in the butt. But instead of switching to be a mechanic, I do small jobs on my own car (engine oil change, brake pads/rotor swaps, etc...).
I came from automotive to the diesel field and I wouldn’t change a thing, I went to the academy my job provides and after 6 months from hire date to now I’m making a ton more than I was told I could make at automotive
i was always thinking about diesel. What’s your modest take on it ?
@@fl5099 it’s tough work and very much so manual labor, but if you move up the ranks and become a tech it’s worth the money, I don’t know if I’m allowed to say it on here but I recommend Loves travel stops if you have one nearby they have a diesel tech program that is worth going to
@@fl5099It’s extremely hard work. Very heavy lifting especially brake drums. You have easier days though but more money and more options. You can do it. Just go to any diesel shop and tell them you have no experience but eager to learn that’s what I did
I’m a new tech at Chrysler Dodge ram I work for a lot of older people in there 60s some 70s that know a lot I barely knew how to change all when I started and they just throw me into stuff like replacing a transmission and they sit back and watch and laugh the whole timeeventually come over and make sure I’m doing all right. Great guys and I’ve learned a lot from them does not pay very good though, but the experience I’m getting from these guys is worth way more than any school.
I graduated high school in 1969 and went to work at a Lincoln Mercury dealer as a mechanics helper. With in a few months I noticed that the 50 and 60 year old guys that I worked with, hated the job. I didn't want to end up that way so I went to a local university, sold my tuchus to the Army and got a degree in engineering. I worked as an engineer 40 hours per week and fixed up cars, did home repairs, and built a house in my off time. All trades require you to have tools. I've collected tools all of my life. Now that I'm retired, I still fix up cars for my use and I restore antique garden tractors. Good video. Good Luck, Rick
I appreciate ya,
My friend owns his own business on a farm. Has his own lift and smart just like you and his neck and back is taking the toll. Hats off to you Nikko.
I was a mech off and on since 15. 60 now. I watched cars go from easily repaired rwd cars to impossible fwd rolling computers. I do my own work and for select customers but todays cars are total crap. Air bags are nothing but bombs scattered around the car and can be set off by accident and can hurt you badly. Scan tools are great but they are only a guideline. Wiring degradation was bad on 80s Fords but even worse today as one bad wire can take a whole car down. You got to know the systems inside and out.
I'll be straight up honest, and you can call me a girly-man for this but I do use my cherry picker to lift and lower cast iron heads from under a hood, especially straight 6 heads. I want to keep my back.
If your heart is not 100% into it. It don’t matter what you do. If you are in the field just for the tools and gadgets, you are definitely in the wrong field. To be a happy mechanic you just gotta know how the shit works and how to diagnose it effectively aaaand doing all that thinking and believing your are doing what you love, you are living a dream. Otherwise prepare to battle until you quit or love it, either or you can’t have both.
Thanks for the video !
I've been watching your channel for a while being on the fence about becoming a mechanic.
Lots of people will give reasons to not do it but I think there are reasons people are still doing it today.
I love cars and the passion is what keeps pointing me in this direction instead of some college degree or a different trade.
I hope to be able to learn how to wrench, drive the shit out of my cars, break them, and do it all over again.
If I can become a great technician in the process I think I would be satisfied.
I've owned several businesses. After entering the traditional workforce, and hating it, I am getting certified and opening my own shop. The wealthiest guy I worked for was a mechanic and owned a shop. I'll do it his way and not have to drive an hour to work minimum wage. They'll come to me.
12 years exp, ase master, emergency vehicle (evt) certified and toyota certified, ive worked at 7 different shops. glad you mention toxic chemicals, many people tent to miss that aspect. also toxic work environments. flat rate is more often than not a scam. shitty benefits for the most part. upward mobility is rare past a certain point. people who say this is a good job haven't done it for long, dont have a realistically sustainable job, or are an extremely rare exception. most successful technicians seem to find their way out of traditional mechanic work or remain miserable..
Don’t forget. You rarely get praised for all the jobs you do right, but you’ll definitely hear about the rare instance when a job that goes south! I’ve been a tech at a dealership for 39 years. I’m a 6’4 diesel tech. My feet are numb. I have degenerative disc disease which is the term used for worn out discs. My hamstrings are constantly cramping up and the back of my legs are partially numb due to nerve damage from my back. I’ve had quite a few epidurals. My hands always cramp up. Walking short distances is a chore. I could go on. Anyone entertaining the idea of doing the long term should seriously. reconsider!
Why should you get 'praised' for doing your job? You're getting paid for it. If you screw up, of course you should 'hear' about it, because it is wasted money.
@@pizzaparty-r1c Spoken like someone who has never done a day's work in their life.
@@pizzaparty-r1c Because when you finally grow up and spend time in the work world, no amount of money will make up for the absence of gratitude, a sense of confidence, working with people who aren't a horse's backside, the sort of things that will make you want to get out of bed in the morning. If the only contact you have with superiors is ugly contact, guess what that does to your mind and and emotions and self confidence?
This day and age you gotta be a bad ass to be a true mechanic and not a parts changer. Mad props to all the mechanics for sure. (Electrician 6 years here)
Right now currently saving up and going back to school (8years as a tech). Everything is getting expensive makes working as a flagging tech difficult I’d rather be focused on a career then a dead end trade. Fortunately I pay little rent so I can get away making major changes on the spot.
I grew up working in my grandma's full service gas station and mechanic shop. I started working at a Chevy dealership when I was 17 and worked for them till I was 22. The money was great in the summer but I'd starve in November and December.
I ended up becoming an Millwright and doing mechanic work on turbines, compressors and gearboxes at oil refineries and chemical plants. Right now I'm making $46.32 an hour as a rotating equipment specialist and get more overtime than I really want.
My advice to young guys who enjoy working on cars and equipment. Come be an industrial mechanic and make more money, have your employer supply the tools and keep the auto mechanic stuff as a hobby.
Another bit of advice for you young guys working as auto mechanics. STAY OFF THOSE TOOL TRUCKS! If you think you need a certain tool, by the cheaper version of it. If you find that tool is vital to making your hours, go get a quality version after you've made some money with the cheaper tool. Nothing sucks worse than being in a slump and only running 25 hours a week and having most of what you made last week going to pay the minimum payment to the Snap on/ Mac/ Matco guy in the parking lot.
Best way to get a raise and get ahead is to quit and get a new job. Never wait for a raise, know your worth. Your toolbox has wheels.
Seems like thats the only way to get a raise now in the dealership world.
America sucks in just about every trade. All the fat cats raking in the dough and the ones actually doing the work are treated like lowlife slaves. It's about like the war veterans who are homeless, penniless, and jumping off bridges while the government taxes the crap out of workers and pays illegals to live for free with a higher standard than the people who work 2 jobs to cover bills.
I spent twenty plus years as a dealership technician. I usually didn’t ask for a raise unless I had an offer from another dealer. I would then go to my current employer and ask if they were willing to match the offer. They didn’t want to match the offer but I wasn’t bluffing. I told them goodbye and moved on. So yeah, I agree usually the only way to get a raise was to move on to a better offer. My average time per job was somewhere around 3 1/2 years. When I left wrenching I worked the same job for twenty three years before retiring.
Working at professional businesses (other than low pay service type jobs), you realize everything changes as soon as you bring up the fact you've been looking at other businesses, have an offer from somewhere else. Nothing from that day forward will be the same on your job, so you better be pretty dead ready to leave as soon as you bring that up.
What is less consequential is asking for a raise. That can imply you've been looking around, but not necessarily. That can imply you're not satisfied, but not necessarily.
But, the moment you bring up another business offer, your employer knows you've taken initiative to set about to leave. Nothing will be the same from that day forward.
@@exothermal.sprocket well said...always have a backup plan...bluffing rarely works. But don't burn the bridge when you leave a job...I accepted some offers to return to a dealership that I previously left.
I've been a mechanic for 30 years is hard work but played my bills I've watched your videos you are a so so mechanic
Never said I was anything special lol.
Dam dude your 100% correct about being a mechanic. I went into diesel mechanics straight after high school went to college for it and been working in the field ever since I first loved it but now slowly hating it because always in pain, more you do more they want you to do. Pay sucks at first and takes a along time to work yourself up. When you get home last thing you want to do is work on a car but someone either in your family has car trouble or a friend. And It just gets old after the years go on, I wish I chose a different career path. Just make sure when you start you need to make some kind of retirement plan because you don’t want to be doing this shit when your a old man, you will be crippled
A friend from high school over 20 years ago dropped out of college and became a car mechanic. When we were in our 20s the people I socialized with were broke but he always had a lot of cash on him and bought project cars to work on as a hobby. It gave me doubts about maybe I should have become a mechanic too. However, these days he is still making good money but he is worn out and looks 15 years older than his age. He also gained a lot of weight by eating poorly because the job is so demanding. I figure he will have a burger and fries or similar frequently to get a boost of energy to make it through the day. It is definitely not a job for someone who can’t deal with pain and the beating you take year after year.
Eating like shit sounds like a you problem, stop making excuses theirs plenty of money in this industry with or without being a mechanic
@@Harry-rm5is Covered in dirt, grease, and sweat a mechanic is less likely to go to a salad bar for lunch than someone who had a white collar job where they are in an office and the biggest hazard of the day is getting a paper cut. The bad food is absolutely a coping mechanism. High fat and sugar foods with empty calories taste good and release chemicals in the pleasure centers of the brain to give instant relief to the beating a mechanic takes on a daily basis. White collar jobs have their own set of problems with coping. The super high pressure hedge fund managers that are responsible for money in the billions have problems with cocaine use while middle managers under stress abuse alcohol or less intense substances like weed or tobacco.
He needs a wife that can cook. If you have no support from home being a mechanic becomes more tiresome.
It’s ok to be a mechanic if you are good in diagnosing a problem and really good in electrical stuff. Then you have what it takes to open your own shop. It does not take a lot to open a shop, but you must save enough money to pay shop rent for at least a year because it takes about that long until your shop can make enough money to pay all your bills including the bills in your home. It will help too if your wife works. I own a shop and currently gross at 100K after a year in business. My goal is to make twice or 200K.
Good stuff man happy for your success and good luck!
The one thing I'd tell any mechanic today. You better learn electrical, everything you're about to fix, troubleshoot or replace revolves around electrical and controls. Don't buy expensive tools unless it is actually necessary like if you need a torque wrench repetitively accurate to a decimal with a low tolerance.
I work now on very large cranes and industrial machinery, for the most part it can be easy or buried behind a pile of immovable hydraulic hoses, it can be quite body wrecking at times.
The work I do at home is avoiding mechanics, I do machining instead, CNC, manual, turning, additive and so forth, these things I do very little at work.
You're right though, people need mechanics but love to look down their noses at them.
Everything you said was spot on. 15 years in for me. I don’t even want to change my own oil nowadays lol.
I've always loved tuners and being able to fix my own car. But airplanes are my first love. The industry really needs good troubleshooters. Starting pay at airlines is $40 an hour and top out is around $70 after 5 to 7 years. 2 years to get your A&P license.
Wow that’s great pay good for you!
@LetsDriftMedia some of the beat troubleshooters I've ever worked with when it comes to avionics have always been young New York guys that work on cars. I'm 33 and will say the lower back arthritis is already setting in tho. Only knock is working outside on the Line in all weather .
Dude you nailed it i dont work on anything after work anymore. Burned out. Its annoying how the idiots who cant fix anything treat us like garbage. But i dont think i could do anything else either. Double edge sword brother. Cheers.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Just got my first job at a Goodyear and I got my toolbox and a lot of tools for free on Craigslist. I had to clean them up and paint them but way better deal than new.
About to start a job working as a remote service tech for what seems like a great company that focuses on the commercial vehicle industry and doesn't have to argue for payment
One of my friend is a mobile mechanic he is certified as well. that guy is a genius though no matter what car you give him he knows how to fix it without taking a long haul day he has crazy memory skills even if he unbolts more than 40 bolts nuts screws he remembers where they all go but anyways he started from the bottom and got tired of his boss so once he did the mobile he remembers all the prices his boss shop charges so he would charge his customers less and yeah he makes 3 thousand a day yup a day sometimes even more . I’m super happy for him he bought a house owns 2 company vehicles and 2 regular cars . So it’s not a bad job if you are the business owner . My other friend who actually owns a real mechanic shop paid off both his houses has 15 employees and owns 2 restaurants with another additional 15 employees different llc . You be surprised though these guys not only work hard but they charge way cheaper than most shops and get more business where most shops hate them because supposedly they’re not following the rules of keeping the price balanced in the market in the area . For example all bmw and European German shops told me a quote on changing a starter with labor is 1400 cheapest I found was 1200 the part is 400 separate and they were all going to give me Bosch brand so I called my friend he got the same starter from his whole sale price for 170 took him 30 minutes to change it I asked him how much would he charge labor for other people he said business is business so he would of said he got the part for the retail price but for about a hour of work and him going to the person or bringing the vehicle to his shop he said in total with part included about 700 if he wanted to he could of charged 900 and still got paid for it but he said bmws always has problems so if they go in for a good price at 700 they’re coming back again more than likely to do the spark plugs next fuel injection cleaning along with brakes rotors bleeding the brakes oil change it adds up . But yeah it’s still a good business if you know how to run a business .
Thats so awesome man, super happy for your friend!
Oh man he hit the nail on the head it is not easy to be a mechanic to me the enjoyment part is when you finish knowing that you completed something so complicated and you are the one who did it feels so good😮
I work at a Ford dealership making $31 hourly. I wouldn't consider myself just as a lube tech because ive done other recalls and jobs that were more complex. By law in California if you buy your own tools they have to pay you $31. I worked at Google as a contractor for 4.5 years and prior to that was in thr medical field. Out if all my jobs i concluded that this is my calling, i enjoy working with my hands especially on diesels. I dont have the feeling of staring at the clock, rather me catching up to the clock. Everyday is different and challenging. I enjoy learning new things everyday and always ask questions. I already invested hella in tools so it would be a waste to leave. This is my own experiences but im glad I became a mechanic. Total years at Ford will be 2 years and prior to that i was a tire technician at Sam's club. So adding all the auto experience its about 3 years under my belt.
Remember, in CA the specific law requires "double minimum wage" for employees required to provide their own tooling. Yes, that is currently $31, since minimum is $15.50. Whenever there is a change to minimum wage, expect a change to your pay too. A $1 increase in minimum is a $2 increase for you.
I agree with the last reason...i was told by many mechanics that if you like working on cars, don't become a mechanic or you will lose interest. Keep it as a hobby. Currently a transit operator and i enjoy working on my car at home...EJ6 (EK9) project, slowly but surely 😊
Very well explained brother. Just keep thinking about that car you had years ago and you still have dreams about it. It keeps me going. I've been restoring muscle cars for 35 years. Who else is going to do this. I can't find any young guys willing to bust their knuckles.😂
I appreciate the truths you have said about the industry. I did it for five years then fifteen on my own on the side. Definitely made more working for myself.
Just turned 19 currently going to school and been working at a shop for 9 months. Plan to do this for a for a few years then move up to an auto management/corporate job after getting a decent amount of experience on vehicles and go up from there.
How dose the automotive ladder look like ?.I’m 19 and going into trade school.
@@manasseexil1950 They’ll start you off at the bottom usually Lube Tech, they’ll have you their 6-12 months then eventually move you up. I was a Lube Tech for around 8 months before I got moved to C Tech. It varies depending on person because they carefully look at how good you are at your job, how fast you can do it, what’s tool you have available, and if you’re the type of person willing to learn. It takes some time and dedication but in the end the work pays off and you’ll get moved up. Put yourself out there and show people you are willing to work and learn.
Started at a dealership specializing on automatic transmissions in 1986 then got a job as mechanic at a transit bus company, worked there 34 years and got to retire young.
Knowing what i know now about being a mechanic, I don't think i would do it again. I have turned to mobile welding now which is alot more satisfying to do.
My issue with the automotive industry is you actually have to work your ass off to make a dollar. I took a break from it for a while and hopped in another industry and I can honestly say in order to make good money you have to hustle unlike other industries! Not to mention the amount of over head in tools, you might as-well start your own business!
It is a commitment to become a mechanic or "technician". What he is saying is true. And it takes time to make it up the ladder. But that is not a bad thing. It gives you time to acquire knowledge from those around you, knowledge you will never get in school alone . Being a Mechanic is like being in construction, mostly on the job training, after the basics, and lots of tools to buy. It is a major commitment and a worthwhile one for those not afraid to work and get dirty.
I have $37,000 in tools, and certified as a Master Mechanic in heavy equipment and over the road trucks. It pays quite well.
That being said, I also have a Masters Degree in software engineering. Thought it would lead to a well paying job in a clean environment, and when I graduated they offered me a 'whopping' $65k tp start....
I could not afford that kind of pay cut..... $30k less than what I made at the time on commission.
I wish I had never gone to college. I could of bought another house for that kind of money and rented it out for additional income.
Yes, being a mechanic is tough and requires the kind of work ethic not seen in many people today, but it is so worth it.
Just do not underestimate the level of commitment it takes to be good at it. It took years to get to where I am now.
Couldn't agree more with your comment. It can be a very rewarding career financially after you put in the years/investments. Ive been a tech for 11 years now and this past year have made more money than any one of my family members/friends in my personal life aside from those I work with. and thats including people in various careers (law enforcement, medical field, construction, self employed) some of those with fancy college degrees as well as being alot older than me. Not trying to brag at all But my point is this didnt happen overnight. I feel most new/young people these days are too influenced by flashy entrepreneurs/social media and want instant gratification so if they don't start off making 100k+ right off the bat after going to a technical college they are led to believe they are doing it wrong and will chase the next thing with the same mindset.
So sincere, the honest truth and integrity come through which is refreshing in these days.
I spent the last ~6 years as a mechanic starting from scratch, where i live most mechanics don't make over $27/hour with no benefits. I love cars as a hobby, it's literally my escape from life, however, i found that fixing cars for a living was ruining my enjoyment of cars as a hobby. It's definitely not for everyone.