Tried working for people, working for myself, in many disciplines as well. On-road, off-road, stationary, shop supervisor role, service truck owner operator etc. Hated it all. Made VERY good money though. Changed careers after 16 years in the trade to become a fireman and will never look back.
Here is one pro for me. I made some life long friends that I love. I met them at Toyota. And till this day we are very close. Con- this is rant more than anything. Where did it say Mechanics could not make mistakes? I feel everyone in other industries can make mistakes and it will be ok they can fix it. But gosh when an auto mechanic does it, it’s the end of the world. And we never hear the end of it. We are human we make mistakes also. We also learn from it. So for you out there that get mad always at mechanics give us break sometimes.
feels like we are punished way way way more then other industries so we get beat up on top of beating our selves up already. yeah its a big con :( watched apprentices freak out over little mistakes like someone was going to beat them :(
@@Lancemechanics yes, but that is also general culture over the past two decades it seems, i.e american culture becoming far too regimentalized or hierarchical and frankly that trend, which is sorta linked to conservative corporate-ism is very unamerican to many of us and we've been pushing back as hard as we could over the past 15-30 years.
“You can fix anything.” I haven’t heard more true of a fact. I do better contractor work than some of the building engineers at my condo. If I can figure out a mechanical part and how it moves. I can wrap my head around it and fix it. My girlfriend always tells me “is there anything you can’t fix?” I just shrug and say that’s what I do all day. I just figure it out.
Personally most of my stress comes from being rushed and the expectation of being 100% perfect on every car that comes in. I also tend to overthink so im triple checking everything. My dealer usually stays busy so sometimes I’ll have 2-3 cars on queue and at the same time have multiple waiters with up-sales. EVERY ADVISOR WANTS THEIR CAR DONE FIRST! It’s constant back and forth with these advisors. Combined with the physical stress, it can get overwhelming. Oh and I usually don’t get to it lunch till like 4-5pm but that’s a bad habit that I gotta change.
try to put your foot down at least in your mind! Depending on your disposition, that sort of stress in some ppl CAN cause permanent damage by the time u r around mid forties. So, pls dn't internalize that stress! It will harm u badly!
Con: you have to secretive about your profession like the CIA, everyone has a car and that's all they want to talk about to you, its the only job where you give up pay when you make a mistake, Pro: I can't tell how many times I've asked to apply when random people find out I know cars, they are desperate for wrench even though they don't pay well they need turnover, guessing they just need someone to be the new broom!
1. Love for Tools As an auto mechanic, you'll have access to a wide range of tools, from basic hand tools to advanced diagnostic equipment. You’ll constantly work with them, which is something you enjoy. 2. Fixing Things and Problem-Solving Mechanics often face complex problems that require diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Your passion for fixing things and solving problems will give you immense satisfaction when you troubleshoot and repair a car successfully. 3. Pride in Quality Work Since you value doing a job right, you'll find great satisfaction in knowing that your expertise helps vehicles run safely and efficiently. Customer satisfaction from a job well done is an added bonus. 4. Customer Happiness Making customers happy by providing reliable repairs will be one of the most rewarding aspects for you. Knowing that your skills help them get back on the road safely will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment. 5. Turning Passion into Profit When you're passionate about something, making a living from it feels less like work and more like fulfillment. Being an auto mechanic allows you to do what you love while earning a stable income.
Thats why I just keep it as a hobby, I love fixing things and working on stuff and it saves so much money its a no brainer for me. I just finished installing a shift kit into my auto transmission, in total with fluid it was about 150$ and probably wouldve been 600$ at a shop
I've been a tech for 6 years now, I was paid shit wages and never got any raise after any of my completed apprenticeship levels. I am now a licensed tech only making $28 an hour. My son makes more than me and he's 17 years old doing construction.
There is no pro to being a mechanic. Pick electrical, pick HVAC, puck plumbing....any ONE of these jobs will pay more than knowing all these jobs in mechanics. They may want you....but they won't pay you. So the saying you will always have a job is false. If you'll work for nothing, you'll always have a job.
You will always have a job but i followed right up they will nickle and dime you at same time! :) again the skills are transferable to all that you've mentioned :)
Every shop I've ever been in, you would get harassed by management if you sat down on the clock, even if you sat for 90 seconds Mechanics will never be treated like human beings
@@COBRO98 yes I quit when someone tries to micro manage me. They hired a professional technician not a slave. If they knew what I know they wont bother me at all.
@@COBRO98 and another thing when they say that ish to you. Reply immediately that suddenly you are feeling a work related neck injury I need to see the Dr. they will go hide after that.
@@webreakforsquirrel4201 I sh*t you not I once had a manager grab a personal $400 desk chair I brought from home and stuff it into an office overnight, I explained I use it while looking up service information and he told me mechanics aren't allowed to sit down. Packed up my chair, tool boxes, computer within the hour and they lost their best A-tech that day. Never work for a place that doesn't allow you to sit down and take breaks, or not allow you to take a lunch. We are human beings just like anyone else. Do you know how many people out there think mechanics work in an A/C environment when in reality most shops don't even have access to drinking WATER
My brother as one of his mechanic jobs worked at one of the Detroit 3 testing and proving grounds. One day as he was leaving work an expensive speeding car slid around the entrance corner, hit my brother's car, and then took of into the grounds. Brother got the plate #, and since there was damage done, set about asking around trying to find out who the culprit was. Alas, the culprit turned out to be a high level manager of the place, and brother's boss told him to just forget about it. Funny how that works.
I’ve saved up $34,000 in the past 15 months. I plan to move to another country when I get over 100k. A 3rd world country Where 100k American means something.
Con- Flat Rate when you are still the bottom Tech, and basically still the oil change guy, because there is no apprentice, and then they drop your guarantee.
oh man sorry to hear. AG equipment i imagine? I haven't had luck with parts since covid. its cost me time and money doing jobs for free or having my work come into question for shitty parts. I hope things change for you brother!
The one aspect i like and hate at the same time is the tech. Yea a lot of it is really stupid and unnecessary. But the good things is that it doesn't become too monotonous. Always new issues u can learn from and keep ur brain actively thinking.
These are the reasons why I left the industry. Lance definitely knows what he's talking about and to the customers, make sure you take care of your mechanics because the tech shortage is getting worse and worse.
PROS keeps me in shape mind and body you own tools that can fix anything you save a ton on your own car and can help others in need you will always have a job
Being able to fix your own vehicles cuts one of your biggest expense. And like most trades, you made decent money at an early age. It's pretty easy to learn on your own unlike industrial electrician. I like learning and challenges so constantly having to learn new technology in new cars keeps me sharp
Nah auto repair is one trade you dont start off making decent money. Most lubetechs in my area start at $17 then after a year are flatrate at $20 pulling 35 hrs.
@@ronenton4037 No clue what your location is like but I started off making 60k in 2007 when I was 17. Best paying job a high school dropout could get by a long shot. Made 80k the year after
Me who fixed my stuff, families, extended family since 16, 39 now. Positives. Your not paying someone else 100 plus an hour. You know the level of care and quality that went into your work. Every day is like Christmas opening boxes with new parts. The feeling of taking something broken and fixing it. The customer appreciation you get for making sure they are safe and keeping them going so they can back and forth. The sence of accomplishment and the pride that you put in. Cons. RUST..., the come back customer that says it's done this since you worked on it and the issue is none related, getting wrong parts that kills your progress, the shady people who return their old parts for the new ones and send them back for the next person to get, all the extra hours a job can take at times verse job time, that no one sees to get the job done and never over charging, seeing other shops bad work and what they billed, Lastly to tell some one its not safe and needs to be retired knowing they cant afford to buy a different car.
I hear ya on the panic attack. I think that it's more so in heavy truck and equipment guys. The wheels ain't turning you ain't earning. I love how you wooed up when you were about halfway thru about office jobs aren't physical and tiring. I love it good call something like that will blow up in your face. Not saying that I disagree but I think that you know what im getting at. See you in the next one 👍 🇨🇦 🔧
I am curious as to how mechanics are treated in other countries. I am from the USA, and we can't even claim our tool purchases on our taxes in most states. I work in fleet maintenance at a ford dealer and it honestly scares the crap out of me when the shop smiles and says we can't wait to put you on flat rate pay. Just removing wheels on some of these trucks can take over an hour because of rust seizing them to the hubs. One pro at my shop is the manager was a tech here for 5 years before moving up. He stops and fights for us in the meetings quite often and hears what we have to say. (Also, follows through with positive changes) last pro for my shop is a 4 day work week. The cons list is just massive as a mechanic in any shop.
sounds like that guy who moved up is trying and that is great to see in these industries. That cant wait for flat rate thing is messed though. its like are exciting for them to make more money and not have to pay you much more for it. absolutly hate that train of thought. Best of luck man! ty for the response.
I love buying tools finding what is the best tool for the job and looking at the new stuff. But I make underground money. I am very proud of the toolbox that I have built.
When Lance speaks of being "licensed" many (like all of the US quite a bit of Europe) don't understand. Sure there are voluntary programs but being barred from work due to a licensing issue is foreign to me. I am 70 and retired so my memory of what it took to enter the field is not current. The "pro" about the automotive mechanic field? If you are a bit "off" a bit "quirky" but still have talent you can find a home in auto mechanics and this home can provide an income. The old idea of "if you are good enough to do this job you are good enough to work a better job"? This is very true. Individuals that would take this profession on and do it by choice are a bit "different". Lance did pretty good listing the cons but there are still more, how can this be?
The biggest pros are no college debt and no car payments. Yeah, I got into the trade with less than $200 dollars of tools... Its been two years and now I have 10,000 dollars of tools and now I've done 6 timing belts in the last few months. I have a paid off, reliable car and a small savings. Made 46k last year as a GS and now the company is sending me out for training in September from people like Brandon steckler! Its pretty good! Hard work. I've spent so much money on tools but that's the price of no college and learning hands on.... Actually, if you go to college, you still need to buy tools though. I'm doing it right I think!
This is a majorly overlooked aspect even among mechanics of all industries Modern automobiles are extremely cramped, even the diesel passenger trucks are now Yet book times and especially warranty times, are shrinking despite? It's like everything about being an auto tech is counter intuitive to making money, the entire field needs to be reworked from the ground up The only ones making money are established shop owners and dealership management/service writers
My 2 biggest cons were pay and being rushed. After 8yrs in the industry i was making less than a welder friend that just started working. Service writers always accepting way too much work so they get nice Christmas bonuses(Techs never did), really pushes you to misdiagnose issues and lose money on return jobs.
Well At least you have a sense of humor. Keep it up, it might just pay off in the long run. I've been doing this stupid shit for way to long myself. I used to love cars and trucks ....... but now I hate them. But I keep going back for more punishment. Good luck
I would say that related not only to automotive but all dealerships including heavy duty. I would not recommend be mechanic nowadays, if you have a chance change it for something you think will be better for you, don't hesitate, if you planning on starting to be a mechanic don't do it. That trade went to shit, the equipment gets more and more complex every year, they change it every year, so salesman can sell more, like look that new machine/car has more fitures you need to buy it. Being that equipment gets updated all the time, the only skill you get is "figuring out skill" and "work in constant frustration", it's not like welding/fabricating, machinist, electrician where the industry stays relatively steady and you might get some daily routine, being mechanic there is no daily routine unless there some warranty recall and many same machines have same problem at the same time. Plus the industry being no steady and one time you diagnose complex stuff using your brain, knowledge, experience and skill and another time as there is no work cause there can't supply steady work , management say ahh then go and push the broom, so one time you use your brain at full capacity another time you a monkey with the broom, like I never seen doctor pushing the broom, it would be interesting to see when doctor makes a surgery and then they like ahh there is no more surgeries booked for the rest of the day so go and push the broom or wash your hands for 4 hours.
Another big difference between auto mechanics and electrician. Auto mechanics learned one HP is 746 watts. But a electrician learned one HP is closer to 16 amps at 120V or an amp at 600V 3 phase. You have 60 HZ at home and everywhere. But in the larger jets one of the voltage available is 100 volt ........400HZ.
Dude I have my own small shop in Atlanta and I love my job and shop. Work your ass off and it will pay off. Be your own boss, people respect me and look up to me. I go to a party and people find out that I’m a Rolls Royce mechanic, people shit themselves and it’s the talk to go party the rest of the night lol
hate flat rate. every monday stress out just to make 8 hour. next week start over from zero again. not like hourly or salary job. gonna get pay no matter what.
Pros? Too few. Cons? FAR TOO MANY. Pay is definitely too low, or more specifically NOT commensurate with the level of physical/mental stress we endure trying to diagnose/fix these very complicated vehicles today. The impending doom of a major tech shortage seems to be the only way to create a serious positive change in this perpetually ugly business.
You'd think shortage would. Dealer I was at bypassed the hiring process and brought foreign workers from philenpeens to Canada. Pay them minimum wage and charge them for rent. Dealer got 4 techs for price of 1.3 techs. Told co workers underground and apparently this is common for united, Kubota, caterpillar ect. They cry there's a shortage but won't invest in the future that's local. It's all about money
Just watched it. Had to read the comments to be sure too. All the mechanics in the comment posted negatively telling no one to join the industry where as his die hard fans who are hobbyist said ty for the support. He hasn't been industry for 7 years when things went to hell for techs. He avoided covid. he works in a perfect environment where he's sponsored and can choose the 1 make/model he likes to work on. He's completely out to lunch on the industry and he's also pushing for apprentices cause his sponsors want to sell tools "yes be a mechanic" "if your built for it" "this industry takes a toll physically/mentally on you" I don't know if it was satire as some point. he's basically saying 1/100 can make it? man that video has me triggered cause he 100% knows and at same time has to make a living and push this stuff...
I'm shopping for a lift right now for my shop. I've got plenty of height (18 to 20 feet) but I notice lots of 2 post lifts don't really go that high. I really want something about 12,000 lbs Anybody have any recommendations?
Pros: Dealerships will say you can avg 100+ hours a week in flat rate ! Cons: Dealerships hire too many mechanics and end up lowering the average of everyones hours for the sake of getting cars out better and make ppl happy. Had countless days when I saw me and 4 + techs just sitting around till 10am doing nothing bc no cars came in. Im about to leave after 10 years.
@@Lancemechanics I was only at a dealership out of convenience, I was at a shop that built GTR's / supras but things stopped in winter, no cars came in ect, liked it but had to protect my pockets and future, dealership just seems strange to me ppl just sitting around no cars, I feel like an extra tech that they dont need. I am trying to get into another performance shop so hopefully that works out here soon.
@@Lancemechanics Yeah here in NH its harder to get performance work. It seems like we pumped out work for 2 years straight then suddenly nothing was coming in, even general repair. But I plan on doing something on the side for performance work. Since im big into 240sx/Evos. The boss got toxic once nothing was coming in. Dealership life just feels too.... Boring and uncreative.
I personally have never made less than 50 per hour doing mechanics and or Carpentry .even in the mind 80s i mad on average 50-60 per hour .but I have always been an independent Contractor .. the issue is you all rollover and accept the wages instead of negotiation and the more you all stop negotiating them ore power you give to the shop The more you all get together and start putting your feet down if every one was to just walk out on there shops all at the same time they would be screwed ..you have to make the changes happen in the industry .. stop rolling over have some balls and say hey I have 8 years I am Redseal i am worth 50 min if you dont want to pay that then I will become a indpenant and sit out of your shop handing out my Business cards
Man,a advisor can get paid 2k on a five minutes phone call Main while it takes a tech probably a week of work to reach the amount The system is broken How can the front desk secretary make twice more than the Doctor
And never get their hands dirty...... that's so wrong. What would be funny is let them sell sell sell the work and we the mechanics tell them you sold it you fix it. Talk about a panic attack hahahahahaha!!!!!!
This is from a mechanics perspective, I'm about the same size as you. I built my shop with 14' ceilings and hight extensions on both lifts (13'8") they have longer rams and lift roughly 3-4" higher then the average 2 post and proper truck/frame engaging adapters. Climate controlled all year around. You can probably see why I left my day job🤣
@@Lancemechanics Ya buddy, absolutely. Sounds like your doing great things! My plan is to slow down from working day and night, spend more time with my family and focus on my health before it's to late. I always look forward to your videos. What part of the country are you currently living in? I'm in southern Ontario.
@themechanic5467 towards northbay area. But thinking long term southern ontario. The snow is slowing getting to me having to have massive trucks and suvs to get groceries lol
It does take a long time to get word of mouth around that you’re solid for the work if you’re a one man shop. Give yourself 3 years and be really honest with yourself.
Talking about dirty jobs, you can refuse to service a car that is unhygenic, but not an industrial mechanic. A couple of times, I had to crawl inside a machine to replace a part, everywhere are covered with at least 1/8 inch of dirty grease. One job involved replacing a sealing "O ring" using car radiator coolant as heat transfer fluid, and while you are doing it, coolant are running down your arms and both jobs, you just cannot go home afterwards. There is a world of a difference between a electrician and a mechanic, even though you think a mechanic can fix everything. I proved that when I found a defective selector switch at a 2 post hoist and the mechanic thought it was something else. You just like the third world guys think, as long as the repair works , it is fine. Even if you have to put 600V through a lamp cord. I said the repair not only have to work, but have to be legal, and in some cases, pass inspection, aircraft mechanic have to sign the log book. If that plane crash later, they come back and question you as if you are the biggest asshole around. You can substitute a length of copper pipe for a 600V fuse and there is little ESA can do, you do not have a license so you can say you don't know, but I legally know. Opening your business is a different experience all together, just like starting the apprenticeship again. To get your license, you learn about the methods and parts etc. The boss or in your case, service advisor shield you from the customers and do estimates. Now you have to also deal with the customers and it takes experience as to what to say or don't say. Yes , you ca get stepped on by customers too. I had customers that would argue over what they think a $5 overcharge while they would pay $1000+ to their Benz dealer for an oil change and a few other little things. They seems to have an unofficial minimum charge of $1000. The Benz is a huge company and they have the clout. The Ontario gov also help you out, saying you are not allowed to just top up the A/C and you have to leak test it first and fix the leak. That add at least $2-300 to each job. I live in Toronto, closer to the border, so I go to US and bring back 134a, available over the counter at any Walmart or auto stores. That is why is better to be a part of a larger company, such as heavy equipment, trucks/buses , linesman,they have the clout to steam roll the little guys. Here is what they offer, take it or leave it. They dictate to customers.
Cons: You know how to work on your stuff, your family’s stuff, your friends stuff, their friends stuff, their family’s stuff, and occasionally some strangers stuff you accidentally told you are a mechanic. Pros: You will eventually own an overpriced toolbox, overpriced tools, overpriced gizmos, and are now knowledgeable enough to know you do not want to be a mechanic.
Would do you do a video on how mechanics can make money on the side? Like car flipping Or current inspecting or youtubing We're social media or doing car reviews?
absolutely. was going to do one based on my area, here in canada, ontario. theres so little profit cause of how fast they rot out. but other parts of the country and states you can make some good money flipping 2-4 cars a year! :)
The advisor gets paid better than the mechanics is so stupid i mean for what? And they never get their hands dirty...... that's so wrong. What would be funny is let them sell sell sell the work and we the mechanics tell them you sold it you fix it. Talk about a panic attack hahahahahaha!!!!
Lol the "hoists"(we call them lifts in the US) are a JOKE, you could be 5'6 and you'll still be bending your neck to walk under the vehicle.. I had several bad interactions with management because I refused to lift a 6,000lbs+ modern truck on a 2-post rated for 7,000lbs MAX.. that's 15 years old and worn to hell. If you read the owner's manual for those 2-posts they literally tell you not to lift trucks on them and so many mechanics don't know how easy it is to tip a truck over on one.. Wages? I'll say it again, no one should be touching a car for less than $25/hourly + benefits, I don't care what level mechanic you are
@@iamtheoffenderofall Let me rephrase: $25 starting out and $50+ for A-level guaranteed hourly/salary plus full benefits. I started out at $13.85/hour in 2003 and when I left the industry in 2023, dealers were still offering $14-15/hour for that same lube position.. the cost of living is 3x higher now
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Post what you think are pros and cons, Also sorry for weird video edit. Lots to learn and so little time in life atm :)
Pro: you're the guy figuring out and fixing the manufacturer's f ups
Cons: you're the guy figuring out and fixing the manufacturer's f ups
:S so it would seem
Pros. You learn to fix your car.
Cons. Literally everything else
Yeah pretty much. I tried. Even google can't find pros
I just google it,hes right
You have to scroll down to see the pros.
@@jariusfoster2083 wild huh:)
@jariusfoster2083, please grab some keys we have Waiter oil change,
Tried working for people, working for myself, in many disciplines as well. On-road, off-road, stationary, shop supervisor role, service truck owner operator etc. Hated it all. Made VERY good money though. Changed careers after 16 years in the trade to become a fireman and will never look back.
Lance is AA for all Technicians
Automotive Anonymous
@@jariusfoster2083 hehe
He’s Canadian it’s a a aye
So exhausted and sick of the stress. Searching for another trade or apprenticeship at the moment. Can’t wait to be out
hope you find what makes you happy! your one of many who are at the same point with this industry
Go do HVAC, easy peasy and good pay.
Here is one pro for me. I made some life long friends that I love. I met them at Toyota. And till this day we are very close.
Con- this is rant more than anything. Where did it say Mechanics could not make mistakes? I feel everyone in other industries can make mistakes and it will be ok they can fix it. But gosh when an auto mechanic does it, it’s the end of the world. And we never hear the end of it. We are human we make mistakes also. We also learn from it. So for you out there that get mad always at mechanics give us break sometimes.
feels like we are punished way way way more then other industries so we get beat up on top of beating our selves up already. yeah its a big con :( watched apprentices freak out over little mistakes like someone was going to beat them :(
@@Lancemechanics yes, but that is also general culture over the past two decades it seems, i.e american culture becoming far too regimentalized or hierarchical and frankly that trend, which is sorta linked to conservative corporate-ism is very unamerican to many of us and we've been pushing back as hard as we could over the past 15-30 years.
“You can fix anything.” I haven’t heard more true of a fact. I do better contractor work than some of the building engineers at my condo. If I can figure out a mechanical part and how it moves. I can wrap my head around it and fix it. My girlfriend always tells me “is there anything you can’t fix?” I just shrug and say that’s what I do all day. I just figure it out.
heck yeah. If given enough time mechanics can get it done!
Personally most of my stress comes from being rushed and the expectation of being 100% perfect on every car that comes in. I also tend to overthink so im triple checking everything. My dealer usually stays busy so sometimes I’ll have 2-3 cars on queue and at the same time have multiple waiters with up-sales. EVERY ADVISOR WANTS THEIR CAR DONE FIRST! It’s constant back and forth with these advisors. Combined with the physical stress, it can get overwhelming. Oh and I usually don’t get to it lunch till like 4-5pm but that’s a bad habit that I gotta change.
This industry burns us out so quick cause of the stuff you mentioned
try to put your foot down at least in your mind! Depending on your disposition, that sort of stress in some ppl CAN cause permanent damage by the time u r around mid forties. So, pls dn't internalize that stress! It will harm u badly!
Con: you have to secretive about your profession like the CIA, everyone has a car and that's all they want to talk about to you, its the only job where you give up pay when you make a mistake,
Pro: I can't tell how many times I've asked to apply when random people find out I know cars, they are desperate for wrench even though they don't pay well they need turnover, guessing they just need someone to be the new broom!
I tell everyone i'm a hamster farmer. mechanic is not a good conversion :P
I going to put that in the tool box for next time I go for a loan.😂
@@Lancemechanics
I use to make 65cents of commission every alignment (i did). Then my boss was shocked when i left.
why are they always shocked lol. Never understood that.
1. Love for Tools
As an auto mechanic, you'll have access to a wide range of tools, from basic hand tools to advanced diagnostic equipment. You’ll constantly work with them, which is something you enjoy.
2. Fixing Things and Problem-Solving
Mechanics often face complex problems that require diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Your passion for fixing things and solving problems will give you immense satisfaction when you troubleshoot and repair a car successfully.
3. Pride in Quality Work
Since you value doing a job right, you'll find great satisfaction in knowing that your expertise helps vehicles run safely and efficiently. Customer satisfaction from a job well done is an added bonus.
4. Customer Happiness
Making customers happy by providing reliable repairs will be one of the most rewarding aspects for you. Knowing that your skills help them get back on the road safely will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment.
5. Turning Passion into Profit
When you're passionate about something, making a living from it feels less like work and more like fulfillment. Being an auto mechanic allows you to do what you love while earning a stable income.
One upside is you save a lot of money in auto repair cause you don’t have to pay another shop or individual to repair or maintain your vehicles
absolutely :)
Thats why I just keep it as a hobby, I love fixing things and working on stuff and it saves so much money its a no brainer for me. I just finished installing a shift kit into my auto transmission, in total with fluid it was about 150$ and probably wouldve been 600$ at a shop
I've been a tech for 6 years now, I was paid shit wages and never got any raise after any of my completed apprenticeship levels. I am now a licensed tech only making $28 an hour. My son makes more than me and he's 17 years old doing construction.
I was a tech for 8yrs made $25 when i left and went to a building maintenance job starting at $30 no other experience besides auto repair.
You are definitely taking advantage of the day off. No rest for the Mechanic /TH-camr!!!!👍 🇨🇦 🔧
I try. :)
Good vid jack of all trade. For real. Plus teaching. Young men need this
I just became an instructor at a college. And I'm loving it
Congrats. I enjoyed my teaching job too. Learn more teaching then I ever did on the bench
@@Lancemechanics it's so true. Definitely elevated my game
There is no pro to being a mechanic. Pick electrical, pick HVAC, puck plumbing....any ONE of these jobs will pay more than knowing all these jobs in mechanics.
They may want you....but they won't pay you. So the saying you will always have a job is false. If you'll work for nothing, you'll always have a job.
You will always have a job but i followed right up they will nickle and dime you at same time! :) again the skills are transferable to all that you've mentioned :)
6'2" here and I use a rolling chair under the lift. I never lift cars all the way up to work on them any more.
I hate the 4 foot Mexicans giving me shit for that... I compound fractured an ankle and can hardly stand for long... They know that too
Every shop I've ever been in, you would get harassed by management if you sat down on the clock, even if you sat for 90 seconds
Mechanics will never be treated like human beings
@@COBRO98 yes I quit when someone tries to micro manage me. They hired a professional technician not a slave. If they knew what I know they wont bother me at all.
@@COBRO98 and another thing when they say that ish to you. Reply immediately that suddenly you are feeling a work related neck injury I need to see the Dr. they will go hide after that.
@@webreakforsquirrel4201 I sh*t you not I once had a manager grab a personal $400 desk chair I brought from home and stuff it into an office overnight, I explained I use it while looking up service information and he told me mechanics aren't allowed to sit down.
Packed up my chair, tool boxes, computer within the hour and they lost their best A-tech that day.
Never work for a place that doesn't allow you to sit down and take breaks, or not allow you to take a lunch. We are human beings just like anyone else.
Do you know how many people out there think mechanics work in an A/C environment when in reality most shops don't even have access to drinking WATER
- fix anything
- collect tools you'll use forever
- Learn every day
- access to deals on vehicles
- side work.
This is soothing. Lance can you read a early 90s t100 manual from start to finish. That would be all the ASMR I would need
Lol thank you@
I got out of it back in 2011. Best choice I ever made. I work on and maintain my own stuff that's it.
Congrats on getting out :)
My brother as one of his mechanic jobs worked at one of the Detroit 3 testing and proving grounds. One day as he was leaving work an expensive speeding car slid around the entrance corner, hit my brother's car, and then took of into the grounds. Brother got the plate #, and since there was damage done, set about asking around trying to find out who the culprit was. Alas, the culprit turned out to be a high level manager of the place, and brother's boss told him to just forget about it. Funny how that works.
Damn. Think that kinda stuff happens more then we realise
The only way to fix this is everyone quit.
I’ve saved up $34,000 in the past 15 months.
I plan to move to another country when I get over 100k.
A 3rd world country
Where 100k American means something.
@@fastinradfordable asian country.
Con- Flat Rate when you are still the bottom Tech, and basically still the oil change guy, because there is no apprentice, and then they drop your guarantee.
That just means you suck and aren't going anywhere... Get better bud
damn :(
@@Lancemechanics I quit .
@@kennethj816 Hope you found a better place. That kinda of shit is why drives all the talents out of the industry.
@@Lancemechanics Taking a break. I have been licensed for 3 months. The apprenticeship burned me out.
I've been having the roughest months on my own just keep getting beat up by bad parts being rural doesn't help. Great Video!
oh man sorry to hear. AG equipment i imagine? I haven't had luck with parts since covid. its cost me time and money doing jobs for free or having my work come into question for shitty parts. I hope things change for you brother!
You can take your skills anywhere in the country. No one rules you because they need you more than you need them.
Heck yeah man!
The one aspect i like and hate at the same time is the tech. Yea a lot of it is really stupid and unnecessary. But the good things is that it doesn't become too monotonous. Always new issues u can learn from and keep ur brain actively thinking.
I enjoyed variety too,
These are the reasons why I left the industry. Lance definitely knows what he's talking about and to the customers, make sure you take care of your mechanics because the tech shortage is getting worse and worse.
Thank you. What are you doing these days?
PROS keeps me in shape mind and body you own tools that can fix anything you save a ton on your own car and can help others in need you will always have a job
Being able to fix your own vehicles cuts one of your biggest expense. And like most trades, you made decent money at an early age. It's pretty easy to learn on your own unlike industrial electrician. I like learning and challenges so constantly having to learn new technology in new cars keeps me sharp
Nah auto repair is one trade you dont start off making decent money. Most lubetechs in my area start at $17 then after a year are flatrate at $20 pulling 35 hrs.
@@ronenton4037 No clue what your location is like but I started off making 60k in 2007 when I was 17. Best paying job a high school dropout could get by a long shot. Made 80k the year after
Me who fixed my stuff, families, extended family since 16, 39 now. Positives. Your not paying someone else 100 plus an hour. You know the level of care and quality that went into your work. Every day is like Christmas opening boxes with new parts. The feeling of taking something broken and fixing it. The customer appreciation you get for making sure they are safe and keeping them going so they can back and forth. The sence of accomplishment and the pride that you put in. Cons. RUST..., the come back customer that says it's done this since you worked on it and the issue is none related, getting wrong parts that kills your progress, the shady people who return their old parts for the new ones and send them back for the next person to get, all the extra hours a job can take at times verse job time, that no one sees to get the job done and never over charging, seeing other shops bad work and what they billed, Lastly to tell some one its not safe and needs to be retired knowing they cant afford to buy a different car.
Thank you for all your videos good stuff!! I left being a mechanic now for a desk job and actually like it more than being a mechanic/technician
That's awesome. What did you get into?
I hear ya on the panic attack. I think that it's more so in heavy truck and equipment guys. The wheels ain't turning you ain't earning. I love how you wooed up when you were about halfway thru about office jobs aren't physical and tiring. I love it good call something like that will blow up in your face. Not saying that I disagree but I think that you know what im getting at. See you in the next one 👍 🇨🇦 🔧
every job has its issues right :)
Pro: 40 hours a week starting. Cons: They actually meant at least 40 hours of work a week on a slow week, 70 on an average
70 jammed into 40! :D a 30year mechanic has 40years of experience by then haha
I am curious as to how mechanics are treated in other countries. I am from the USA, and we can't even claim our tool purchases on our taxes in most states. I work in fleet maintenance at a ford dealer and it honestly scares the crap out of me when the shop smiles and says we can't wait to put you on flat rate pay. Just removing wheels on some of these trucks can take over an hour because of rust seizing them to the hubs. One pro at my shop is the manager was a tech here for 5 years before moving up. He stops and fights for us in the meetings quite often and hears what we have to say. (Also, follows through with positive changes) last pro for my shop is a 4 day work week. The cons list is just massive as a mechanic in any shop.
sounds like that guy who moved up is trying and that is great to see in these industries. That cant wait for flat rate thing is messed though. its like are exciting for them to make more money and not have to pay you much more for it. absolutly hate that train of thought. Best of luck man! ty for the response.
Honestly the 4 day 10 hour day week is the only thing keeping me at ford. Ford is the lowest of the low for labor times on what should be gravy work
I love buying tools finding what is the best tool for the job and looking at the new stuff. But I make underground money. I am very proud of the toolbox that I have built.
That's an addiction we all share :)
When Lance speaks of being "licensed" many (like all of the US quite a bit of Europe) don't understand. Sure there are voluntary programs but being barred from work due to a licensing issue is foreign to me. I am 70 and retired so my memory of what it took to enter the field is not current. The "pro" about the automotive mechanic field? If you are a bit "off" a bit "quirky" but still have talent you can find a home in auto mechanics and this home can provide an income. The old idea of "if you are good enough to do this job you are good enough to work a better job"? This is very true. Individuals that would take this profession on and do it by choice are a bit "different". Lance did pretty good listing the cons but there are still more, how can this be?
the positive is you have the skills to open your own shop but that cost money.
The biggest pros are no college debt and no car payments. Yeah, I got into the trade with less than $200 dollars of tools... Its been two years and now I have 10,000 dollars of tools and now I've done 6 timing belts in the last few months. I have a paid off, reliable car and a small savings. Made 46k last year as a GS and now the company is sending me out for training in September from people like Brandon steckler! Its pretty good! Hard work. I've spent so much money on tools but that's the price of no college and learning hands on.... Actually, if you go to college, you still need to buy tools though. I'm doing it right I think!
best pro not doing mechanic work anymore the cars just suck to work on
This is a majorly overlooked aspect even among mechanics of all industries
Modern automobiles are extremely cramped, even the diesel passenger trucks are now
Yet book times and especially warranty times, are shrinking despite?
It's like everything about being an auto tech is counter intuitive to making money, the entire field needs to be reworked from the ground up
The only ones making money are established shop owners and dealership management/service writers
they do.
I appreciate this voice from underneath the engine. Dunkin / $tarBucks / Tim Hortons toast to this technician.
Thank you.
My 2 biggest cons were pay and being rushed. After 8yrs in the industry i was making less than a welder friend that just started working. Service writers always accepting way too much work so they get nice Christmas bonuses(Techs never did), really pushes you to misdiagnose issues and lose money on return jobs.
watching this 2 hours before i gotta go to work.
do i wana go? NO do i like it? NO
will i still keep going there? yes cos i have bills and hate myself
Night shift? What kinda of wrenching are you doing?
@@Lancemechanics yep. Apprentice at a truck shop. Fleet vehicles
Well At least you have a sense of humor. Keep it up, it might just pay off in the long run. I've been doing this stupid shit for way to long myself.
I used to love cars and trucks ....... but now I hate them. But I keep going back for more punishment. Good luck
I would say that related not only to automotive but all dealerships including heavy duty. I would not recommend be mechanic nowadays, if you have a chance change it for something you think will be better for you, don't hesitate, if you planning on starting to be a mechanic don't do it. That trade went to shit, the equipment gets more and more complex every year, they change it every year, so salesman can sell more, like look that new machine/car has more fitures you need to buy it. Being that equipment gets updated all the time, the only skill you get is "figuring out skill" and "work in constant frustration", it's not like welding/fabricating, machinist, electrician where the industry stays relatively steady and you might get some daily routine, being mechanic there is no daily routine unless there some warranty recall and many same machines have same problem at the same time. Plus the industry being no steady and one time you diagnose complex stuff using your brain, knowledge, experience and skill and another time as there is no work cause there can't supply steady work , management say ahh then go and push the broom, so one time you use your brain at full capacity another time you a monkey with the broom, like I never seen doctor pushing the broom, it would be interesting to see when doctor makes a surgery and then they like ahh there is no more surgeries booked for the rest of the day so go and push the broom or wash your hands for 4 hours.
Another big difference between auto mechanics and electrician. Auto mechanics learned one HP is 746 watts. But a electrician learned one HP is closer to 16 amps at 120V or an amp at 600V 3 phase. You have 60 HZ at home and everywhere. But in the larger jets one of the voltage available is 100 volt ........400HZ.
Dude I have my own small shop in Atlanta and I love my job and shop. Work your ass off and it will pay off. Be your own boss, people respect me and look up to me. I go to a party and people find out that I’m a Rolls Royce mechanic, people shit themselves and it’s the talk to go party the rest of the night lol
I mean dude I'd talk to a RR tech any day too :)
Lance look into getting a Vyper roll around chair for use under a lift
thought about it :) im not under hoists atm but when i build my garage damn right i will :)
Pros your better than every other person driving on the road... Con nobody will ever give you the respect you deserve.
hate flat rate. every monday stress out just to make 8 hour. next week start over from zero again. not like hourly or salary job. gonna get pay no matter what.
Yeah the flat rate part is a massive con and stress/anxiety inducer. It really messes with our heads
Pros? Too few. Cons? FAR TOO MANY. Pay is definitely too low, or more specifically NOT commensurate with the level of physical/mental stress we endure trying to diagnose/fix these very complicated vehicles today. The impending doom of a major tech shortage seems to be the only way to create a serious positive change in this perpetually ugly business.
You'd think shortage would. Dealer I was at bypassed the hiring process and brought foreign workers from philenpeens to Canada. Pay them minimum wage and charge them for rent. Dealer got 4 techs for price of 1.3 techs. Told co workers underground and apparently this is common for united, Kubota, caterpillar ect. They cry there's a shortage but won't invest in the future that's local. It's all about money
Good into thanks man keep it up real talk
Thanks, will do!
And here i was wanting to becomes a mechanic..lol ill just wrk on my own stuff
Hey Lance, theres a video by the Humble Mechanic channel where he argues in favor of becoming a mechanic in 2024. What are your thoughts about it?
Just watched it. Had to read the comments to be sure too. All the mechanics in the comment posted negatively telling no one to join the industry where as his die hard fans who are hobbyist said ty for the support. He hasn't been industry for 7 years when things went to hell for techs. He avoided covid. he works in a perfect environment where he's sponsored and can choose the 1 make/model he likes to work on. He's completely out to lunch on the industry and he's also pushing for apprentices cause his sponsors want to sell tools "yes be a mechanic" "if your built for it" "this industry takes a toll physically/mentally on you" I don't know if it was satire as some point. he's basically saying 1/100 can make it? man that video has me triggered cause he 100% knows and at same time has to make a living and push this stuff...
@@Lancemechanics thanks for the response. I figured it was a video that was way too sugar coated to appeal to the brand
Hes also from California where they get paid the full 8 hours per day and dont work on rust. I dont mind him but hes not really a real mechanic.
pro you can fix your own vehicle and anything else mechanical or electronic
yes sir!
I'm shopping for a lift right now for my shop. I've got plenty of height (18 to 20 feet) but I notice lots of 2 post lifts don't really go that high. I really want something about 12,000 lbs Anybody have any recommendations?
Yeah let me know too :)
Pros: Dealerships will say you can avg 100+ hours a week in flat rate !
Cons: Dealerships hire too many mechanics and end up lowering the average of everyones hours for the sake of getting cars out better and make ppl happy. Had countless days when I saw me and 4 + techs just sitting around till 10am doing nothing bc no cars came in. Im about to leave after 10 years.
Yeah they add more hoists and add more techs. Always hated that. Where you going after this?
@@Lancemechanics I was only at a dealership out of convenience, I was at a shop that built GTR's / supras but things stopped in winter, no cars came in ect, liked it but had to protect my pockets and future, dealership just seems strange to me ppl just sitting around no cars, I feel like an extra tech that they dont need. I am trying to get into another performance shop so hopefully that works out here soon.
@@z400racerr910 omg. that sounds like an amazing job. sucks the hours dipped :(
@@Lancemechanics Yeah here in NH its harder to get performance work. It seems like we pumped out work for 2 years straight then suddenly nothing was coming in, even general repair. But I plan on doing something on the side for performance work. Since im big into 240sx/Evos. The boss got toxic once nothing was coming in. Dealership life just feels too.... Boring and uncreative.
I personally have never made less than 50 per hour doing mechanics and or Carpentry .even in the mind 80s i mad on average 50-60 per hour .but I have always been an independent Contractor .. the issue is you all rollover and accept the wages instead of negotiation and the more you all stop negotiating them ore power you give to the shop The more you all get together and start putting your feet down if every one was to just walk out on there shops all at the same time they would be screwed ..you have to make the changes happen in the industry .. stop rolling over have some balls and say hey I have 8 years I am Redseal i am worth 50 min if you dont want to pay that then I will become a indpenant and sit out of your shop handing out my Business cards
Yes. 100%
Thanks lance!!!
Btw in the United States I owned my own shop.
Tax rates are 40%+
Oh wow! yeah think its roughly 30% for a business here. i'll have to research it again.
But that's a tax on your profits not your gross.
Man,a advisor can get paid 2k
on a five minutes phone call
Main while it takes a tech probably a week of work to reach the amount
The system is broken
How can the front desk secretary make twice more than the Doctor
And never get their hands dirty...... that's so wrong. What would be funny is let them sell sell sell the work and we the mechanics tell them you sold it you fix it. Talk about a panic attack hahahahahaha!!!!!!
Pro if you are a workaholic you can work 7 days a week 😂
the government loves this :S
Pro... you can fix your own stuff. Con... you have to fix your own stuff.
Uh haha
This is from a mechanics perspective, I'm about the same size as you. I built my shop with 14' ceilings and hight extensions on both lifts (13'8") they have longer rams and lift roughly 3-4" higher then the average 2 post and proper truck/frame engaging adapters. Climate controlled all year around. You can probably see why I left my day job🤣
sounds like my dream hoist/garage. ill get there one day! :)
@@Lancemechanics Ya buddy, absolutely. Sounds like your doing great things! My plan is to slow down from working day and night, spend more time with my family and focus on my health before it's to late. I always look forward to your videos. What part of the country are you currently living in? I'm in southern Ontario.
@themechanic5467 towards northbay area. But thinking long term southern ontario. The snow is slowing getting to me having to have massive trucks and suvs to get groceries lol
@@Lancemechanics right on, we'll if you ever come down this way we'll grab some beers! 😁
It does take a long time to get word of mouth around that you’re solid for the work if you’re a one man shop. Give yourself 3 years and be really honest with yourself.
Yep! Word of mouth is powerful and having a media presence
A master mechanic is both
I see what ya did there :p
Talking about dirty jobs, you can refuse to service a car that is unhygenic, but not an industrial mechanic. A couple of times, I had to crawl inside a machine to replace a part, everywhere are covered with at least 1/8 inch of dirty grease. One job involved replacing a sealing "O ring" using car radiator coolant as heat transfer fluid, and while you are doing it, coolant are running down your arms and both jobs, you just cannot go home afterwards. There is a world of a difference between a electrician and a mechanic, even though you think a mechanic can fix everything. I proved that when I found a defective selector switch at a 2 post hoist and the mechanic thought it was something else. You just like the third world guys think, as long as the repair works , it is fine. Even if you have to put 600V through a lamp cord. I said the repair not only have to work, but have to be legal, and in some cases, pass inspection, aircraft mechanic have to sign the log book. If that plane crash later, they come back and question you as if you are the biggest asshole around. You can substitute a length of copper pipe for a 600V fuse and there is little ESA can do, you do not have a license so you can say you don't know, but I legally know. Opening your business is a different experience all together, just like starting the apprenticeship again. To get your license, you learn about the methods and parts etc. The boss or in your case, service advisor shield you from the customers and do estimates. Now you have to also deal with the customers and it takes experience as to what to say or don't say. Yes , you ca get stepped on by customers too. I had customers that would argue over what they think a $5 overcharge while they would pay $1000+ to their Benz dealer for an oil change and a few other little things. They seems to have an unofficial minimum charge of $1000. The Benz is a huge company and they have the clout. The Ontario gov also help you out, saying you are not allowed to just top up the A/C and you have to leak test it first and fix the leak. That add at least $2-300 to each job. I live in Toronto, closer to the border, so I go to US and bring back 134a, available over the counter at any Walmart or auto stores. That is why is better to be a part of a larger company, such as heavy equipment, trucks/buses , linesman,they have the clout to steam roll the little guys. Here is what they offer, take it or leave it. They dictate to customers.
Cons: You know how to work on your stuff, your family’s stuff, your friends stuff, their friends stuff, their family’s stuff, and occasionally some strangers stuff you accidentally told you are a mechanic.
Pros: You will eventually own an overpriced toolbox, overpriced tools, overpriced gizmos, and are now knowledgeable enough to know you do not want to be a mechanic.
and your friends/family accidently told an entire football stadium of people your also a mechanic :S
So many cons
its tough to find positives for sure
pros? There are none. I dont regret quitting. worst years of my life.
Congrats on getting out
Con
There are no pros
Pro, we are all equally jaded? :)
The worst part is the pay!!!!!!
Absolutely
Would do you do a video on how mechanics can make money on the side? Like car flipping Or current inspecting or youtubing We're social media or doing car reviews?
absolutely. was going to do one based on my area, here in canada, ontario. theres so little profit cause of how fast they rot out. but other parts of the country and states you can make some good money flipping 2-4 cars a year! :)
It aint mechanics its capitalism. Need to be a union
The advisor gets paid better than the mechanics is so stupid i mean for what? And they never get their hands dirty...... that's so wrong. What would be funny is let them sell sell sell the work and we the mechanics tell them you sold it you fix it. Talk about a panic attack hahahahahaha!!!!
Lol the "hoists"(we call them lifts in the US) are a JOKE, you could be 5'6 and you'll still be bending your neck to walk under the vehicle..
I had several bad interactions with management because I refused to lift a 6,000lbs+ modern truck on a 2-post rated for 7,000lbs MAX.. that's 15 years old and worn to hell.
If you read the owner's manual for those 2-posts they literally tell you not to lift trucks on them and so many mechanics don't know how easy it is to tip a truck over on one..
Wages? I'll say it again, no one should be touching a car for less than $25/hourly + benefits, I don't care what level mechanic you are
In 1995, I STARTED as a tech with no tools or experience at $20. I won't work for less than $50 now
@@iamtheoffenderofall many techs in my area are at that point too. 50 at end of the day didnt even keep up with inflation :(
specially if the chines made hoist says 10,000lbs, guys installed them told me never get near that. :( your playing with your life
@@iamtheoffenderofall Let me rephrase: $25 starting out and $50+ for A-level guaranteed hourly/salary plus full benefits.
I started out at $13.85/hour in 2003 and when I left the industry in 2023, dealers were still offering $14-15/hour for that same lube position.. the cost of living is 3x higher now