Auto Technician Compensation

[JTK]

One sucky aspect is I need to maintain a CDL and am subject to random drug test.

Do you find this limits prospective new hires?

Even non-drivers like myself where I work are subjected to random DOT drug screens because we manage (potentially hazardous) pipelines that go under public roadways. It's difficult to attract new hires willing to keep THC out of their systems.

 

[eljefino]

I can’t even fathom a tech making 10% of shop rate. That is truly nuts.

I made 13.5% as a tire & lube jockey at a chain tire store.

 

[Dave Hess]

I have no desire to join the military. Not something that interests me. I would prefer to stay a private citizen. Too many things to go on in the military.

VA Hospital not to far from you has some decent paying jobs.

https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=biomed&l=Roanoke,+VA&from=searchOnHP&vjk=d897d98d3aea8951

$27.72 - $32.29 an hour - Full-time

 

[Dave Hess]

I’d say $20-$21 is the magic number I’d be looking for. Considering I’ve done anything and everything and am capable of it though it may take me a little longer. I’m ASE certified trying to get master certified in it as I have a few coming due again soon. I’m also certified in Toyota maintenance and working on the next steps as well as hold several Subaru certifications too. If they told me i could make $21 an hour I’d be happy. And I hold one certificate too that they value a lot and that’s I’m first aid and CPR certified too which does matter in this industry they require all of our service advisors to hold that certification.

You’re worth approx $30 an hour with your current skills.

Keep looking and applying for jobs outside the Auto repair industry.

 

[CKN]

Just saw an ad for a local used car dealer looking for Mechanics in the Salt Lake area. The published range was $35.00 to $45.00 an hour.

I am assuming the new car mega dealerships up the road the pay range is probably the same-but have no first hand knowledge.

 

[Dave Hess]

Just saw an ad for a local used car dealer looking for Mechanics in the Salt Lake area. The published range was $35.00 to $45.00 an hour.

Do you have a rental for AutoMechanic so he can move to SLC area ?

 

[AutoMechanic]

You’re worth approx $30 an hour with your current skills.

Keep looking and applying for jobs outside the Auto repair industry.

Since that post I’ve gotten a raise that I’m happy with. Looks like my job of 3.5 years will be a long term one and I’m happy with that.

 

[CKN]

Do you have a rental for AutoMechanic so he can move to SLC area ?

Not one he could afford.....

 

[joekingcorvette]

Auto mechanics deserve good pay. I changed the plugs on my F150 and thought I couldn't do this type of job 8 hours per day 5 days a week. It's not a game for someone retired. I can do it but it really takes a toll on an older fellow. If I were 50 years or younger I could do it all day long but when you are older it's Tylenol PM time.

 

[The Critic]

You’re worth approx $30 an hour with your current skills.

Keep looking and applying for jobs outside the Auto repair industry.

$30 is low. Costco pays upper $20’s for unskilled labor now.

 

[Dave Hess]

Cost of labor in all industries has gone up.

Here in Florida my niece was offered $39 an hour before she graduated nursing school and was doing her clinicals. California would be way more due to high COL.

 

[t1snwrbrdr12]

I suggest before you have a family or get “too old,” get a government job. I left 11 years at a dealership / 1 year independent shop to a government fleet…right before my first kid. I can’t imagine working real world (mechanic) having a family. Now I only work 8 hours, have better benefits than non government, more time off than I know what to do with, and the pay isn’t horrible. At first I really had to crunch numbers and make sure we could survive, and I did keep my dealership job (worked 2 jobs) for about a year…but you get raises on a schedule and make up the pay quicker than you’d think. There are downsides, but not enough to make anyone quit.

 

[mattd]

I left the industry for a fleet union job about 9-10 years ago. Pay is decent, although I could easily make more on the outside. But I’ll be hard pressed to find a better schedule with better benefits. A full pension after 25 years, plus social security, and a small union pension. I’ll be 55 when I can retire with said pension. Nevermind I only work 8 days per month.

 

[Glenda W.]

I did 12 years as a GM flat rate tech, had enough and did 30 years on the railroad. Best move I’ve ever made.

 

[D60]

$30 is low. Costco pays upper $20’s for unskilled labor now.

Recent formal announcements mean there will be a high concentration of unskilled labor in L.A.

Upside: security guards in high demand

 

[Dave Hess]

Cost of labor in all industries has gone up.

Here in Florida my niece was offered $39 an hour before she graduated nursing school and was doing her clinicals. California would be way more due to high COL.

I forgot to mention she is 22 years old and lives at home with parents.

 

[The Critic]

I forgot to mention she is 22 years old and lives at home with parents.

Why does that matter?

 

[Pew]

Cost of labor in all industries has gone up.

Here in Florida my niece was offered $39 an hour before she graduated nursing school and was doing her clinicals. California would be way more due to high COL.

Shoot, I love my privacy and living alone but nowadays I would strongly consider living with my mom and step dad if they lived near me and not in BFE. It'll be so much cheaper.

 

[02SE]

Why does that matter?

He's trying to set her up as a sugarmama for some middle-aged, single Bitoger?

 

[StarCaller]

Why does that matter?

Showing what the going rate is even without a lot of professional experience?