Mechanic Shortage or Paid Shortage, Why People Aren't interested in Become Auto Tech

[@a-k-jun-1]

Over 30 years in the auto mechanical field. I left the stealership a few years ago after I was told by the service manager that the increase in shop labor rates from $155/hr to $255/hr over the last 2 years was to give management only raises. I went back and locked my tool box packed up and left. I was a Senior Master Ford diesel tech. They would give all customer pay work to lube bay guys and would send work orders to me with only the warranty portion remaining. I have zero regrets for walking out of that job and now make 3 times the money at an independent equipment repair company.

[@Matthewjo22]

thanks for sharing, i am glad i can read all these great comments like yours and i am glad you are successful now

[@ThisOldMan-ya472]

Many businesses treat staff as slaves, so management (always overstaffed) could enjoy a good lifestyle. This overhead is super apparent in government and union businesses. Fact is, great 'productive' employees make a great business.

[@Matthewjo22]

@@ThisOldMan-ya472 that’s a fact, unfortunately no respect to technicians

[@janbastein7355]

255$????

[@a-k-jun-1]

@@janbastein7355 average labor rate in Alaska at dealerships

[@joebrenner4428]

SINCE THE DAWN OF TIME THERE HAVE BEEN SHORTAGES OF PEOPLE TO WORK FOR FREE AND CHEAP!

[@Matthewjo22]

that's true

[@joebrenner4428]

Not enough technicians or too many criminal car pigs trying to collect 87% gross profit margins on auto service labor?

[@joebrenner4428]

​​@@Matthewjo22The National Automobile Dealers Association is a cartel and a crime organization rigging the margins on service labor so their sales are pure profits and to jack the prices of repair so people are forced into their showrooms and buy new with extended service contracts.IT'S ALL FRAUD AND CRIMINAL!Their margins on service labor should range from 30-40% with about a 36% average."If service and parts could generate sufficient gross to cover all dealership expenses, every vehicle sale would produce pure profit. NADA 20 Group guide- lines, which include used-vehicle gross in the formula below, recommend 100% absorption.If your absorption is low, examine your grossing pat- terns. Service should be holding 72% of gross; parts should be holding 38%, and body shop should be holding 65% on labor, 30% on parts."

[@tronaboron_99]

Excellent comment!

[@joebrenner4428]

@@tronaboron_99 Making an agreement as an industry,organization or an association of two or more businesses is an anticompetitive agreement and criminal."It is illegal for businesses to act together in ways that can limit competition, lead to higher prices, or hinder other businesses from entering the market. The FTC challenges unreasonable horizontal restraints of trade. Such agreements may be considered unreasonable when competitors interact to such a degree that they are no longer acting independently, or when collaborating gives competitors the ability to wield market power together. Certain acts are considered so harmful to competition that they are almost always illegal. These include arrangements to fix prices, divide markets, or rig bids."

[@monte129]

22$ an hour is garbage money for a mechanic.

[@Matthewjo22]

My friend works in Costco no investment he makes more than a auto tech and less responsibility

[@peterkennedy5596]

In 2002 I made $25 an hour as a tech. Now 2024 techs are making $30 an hour. Not worth it.

[@Youtube_Sold_Out-c4f]

@@peterkennedy5596 The pay scale literally has not moved since the early 1990's, it's still $13-$30/hour despite the cost of living more than doubled. When I left the dealership 2 years ago the lube techs were making the same pay I was starting out in the 90's..

[@ek9si]

To everyone reading this comment, if your thinking of turning wrenches - DON’T DO IT - put your time and effort into something better

[@Matthewjo22]

this is so sad for this country and this industry, i don't see Hope

[@PD722]

This comment is gold. 100% true. I was a diesel mechanic and what a waste of 15 years.

[@WISHBONEL7]

​@@PD722 What do you do now ?.

[@JRotten]

There is no mechanic shortage. Just a shortage of people not wanting to be under paid, and treated like crap. Just like the "truck driver" shortage.

[@ryanespinoza7297]

I was going to join the Toyota certification program at my local community college until I saw it would cost 20 thousand tuition and start at $16/hr. I applied to Walmart instead and started at $15. It’s not worth going onto debt for pennies

[@Matthewjo22]

Yeah after that you need pay almost same or more for tools so you can start working, but I like their training be honest, if you can get the training and work somewhere rather than dealer you will make good money and you will have good careers

[@seanfox4551]

Get into any other trade but the motor trade.

[@Youtube_Sold_Out-c4f]

People will try to tell you "but in automotive you have the ability to move up!".. no you don't, most guys are making the same annual pay they were 30 years ago and will never retire as a service tech. Ironically Walmart offers actual benefits and you'll be a manager within a year if you really want.

[@craig162]

I retired in 2017 after 32 years as a technician and everything you said is true. Technicians are underpaid and treated poorly. In my last five years, I was made Shop Forman and dispatcher at a Honda dealership and saw the other side of a service department. I saw how management keeps pay as low as they can and the way dealerships treat service help. I would never recommend anyone getting into the field. Pick another trade.

[@Matthewjo22]

this is very unfortunate people who, have been in this industry for many years turn against this career, heartbreaking basically, you know most people come to this field because they love cars and they have patient but they have family and they need to get what they deserve, to me there is a big as far as how much we get paid, compare to the people they have little investment and easier job they can make more,

[@peterpeter5666]

been a tech for 38 years. if i had to do it all over again i would never be a tech. just my tools are 150k . plus zero benifits especially if u work in a small shop. (which i prefer) And the fact i had to educate myself on every car make just to keep up with the tech in cars. in the end its very difficult to make money in this business if your honest!

[@Matthewjo22]

@@peterpeter5666 yeah this is unfortunate, tools are expensive, you need to pay for upgrade, and educate yourself for new cars every day, and you get paid same amount like 10 years ago

[@dmacarthur5356]

My son wanted to be a mechanic until I told him to look up the pay. Then I told him that he would have to buy his own tools and how much that would cost. He is no longer interested.

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@Matthewjo22 i WORKED AS A MECHANIC FORTY YEARS AGO. FLAT RATE WAS KING. I MADE REAL GOOD MONEY. THE PROBLEM WAS THE SHOP FOREMAN COULD NOT GET OVER HOW MUCH I MADE. SO HE SHAVED MONEY FROM MY FLAT RATE TIMES. THIS DID NOT GO OVER WELL WITH ME. MY SPECIALTY WAS ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SWAP OUTS. I LASTED THEIR FOR A YEAR AND THEN WENT INTO THE MACHINING AND TOOL DIE MAKER TRADE. MONEY HOLIDAYS PENSION WHICH I STILL ENJOY. WRENCHING JUST SUCKS WHEN YOU WORK FOR SOMEONE ELSE. I SAW THIS PROBLEM YEARS AGO. GLAD I GOT OUT FOR SURE.

[@ENTHUSIASTICFIFAFAN]

Both dealerships and manufacturers squeezing technicians with ridiculous book time, warranty and flat rate. Bad or non existing benefit, and pension while getting paid peanuts. Fix these or no one will stay in the industry

[@Matthewjo22]

Yeah i use to work in 3 different Toyota and all of them treat technician specially new ones the same, the best way to start mobile mechanic be your own boss

[@electrickid101]

Don’t forget that cars are engineered to be hard to work on cause they want you to buy a new car instead of fixing the one you have

[@Matthewjo22]

@@electrickid101 that’s true for some models, but I think some manufactures are out there are very diy friendly but the way we get paid to fix cars is not fair

[@electrickid101]

@@Matthewjo22 it’s across the board , people who do manual labor are looked down as Lower class citizens by people who aren’t capable of doing any work . So let them fix their own cars just like I do !

[@scrappy7571]

It's not shortage of techs, it's a shortage of employers that pay fair wages for the work required on modern vehicles. It's not 1970 with points and condensers.

[@Matthewjo22]

yeah, my tac raised, my monthly payment and utilities and interest rate raised but we barely see rais on wage, still the same even though they charge 20 percent more than last year

[@kurtiscal3msetccdwell618]

I wish it was. Those cars were easy. Everything from lawnmowers to cars worked the same way.

[@janbastein7355]

You nailed it 100 percent! 👍👍👍👍

[@Carnold_YT]

Do mechanics in the US have to buy their own tools?

[@Matthewjo22]

@@Carnold_YT yes we need to buy our own tools unfortunately

[@thesandhaus9689]

This is an excellent video. These are the facts. Company owners with money who are afraid to share with good employees will lose. Very well done

[@Matthewjo22]

thanks man

[@crazydaisy1334]

I was trying to be a technician or auto mechanic or whatever you wanna call it. I learned a lot, but I realized that this video is accurate. They are underpaid, not respected and not valued and quickly blame for everything. I went into a different field and I make way more money now. In a different field. I do all my own automotive work because I know how and I have lots of tools and equipment . I have douche bag neighbors that try to take advantage of me. I did benefit from it because I learned how to do all my own automotive work myself

[@Matthewjo22]

yeah that's true, but unfortunately not everyone had this chance to leave asap, some like me spend 10 or more years alongside thousands of dollars for tools and we demand justice

[@navyreviewer]

I one hundred percent agree. I've been a manager and service manager in both heavy diesel and automotive. Most "mechanics" (im not talking tire/lube folks" are willing to put in however many hours it takes to do the job, as long as they're getting paid for it. All they ask is to be paid fair and treaded fairly. I've tried to do both to those that deserve it. I find it appalling that there are manager that try to squeeze free work out of their techs so they can buy another trophy car or boat. I've had words with those managers even almost got in a fight with one. Be a leader, take care of your people. That doesnt mean be a door mate for them, just use your brain.

[@Matthewjo22]

Thank you so much for doing it man, it is very unfortunate that we see people taking advantage from some folks just try to make living and pay their bills and food on table, this is not right and we need people like to stop them

[@richardross7219]

Good video. In 1969, I worked as a helper at a Mercury dealership. The men that I worked with were in their 50s and 60s. They hated coming to work. I left after 6 months to go to school and do something that I liked. I ended up a civil engineer and enjoyed my career. I kept auto mechanics as a hobby and sideline. Just fixing up an old car each year saved me a lot of money over the past 50 years. I never bought a new car, truck, nor tractor. Recently I looked at new trucks but $60,000 and they are UGLY, convinced me to restore my 1985 Chevy C-10 again. Good Luck, Rick

[@Matthewjo22]

Thanks Rick, Yeah You Did The right thing, Definitely school and a better career is a better options if we can choose them correctly not going to another rabbit hole, i am glad you are happy with your life and job right now

[@richardross7219]

@@Matthewjo22 It turned out that I'm an engineer to the bone. I had a good time building bridges, buildings, and dams. I've been retired for 13 years now. Over the years, I have built up a good collection of tools and machines for engine rebuilding. I occassionally do a car or truck but, mostly I do antique garden tractors. Good Luck, Rick

[@Matthewjo22]

@@richardross7219 wow this is great, I am glad we get to talk here, main reason I am not happy and most people are not happy with this system is the same thing, being auto tech required high intelligent and all people pass that they are incredibly talented and I think and I am sure they deserve more

[@richardross7219]

​@@Matthewjo22 The way to make more, is to work for yourself. I worked for an employer 40 hours per week plus a second employer or myself another 40 hours per week until I had paid off my house(at age 32). Then my second job was only for myself. Most of my tools an equipment was bought used and cheap. Pick up a good dead car cheap, fix it up, drive it for a year and sell it for a profit. The antique garden tractors(from the 60s and 70s) are very well built and have a lot of attachments to make yard care and gardening easier. A good vegetable garden is healthy and a big money saver. You can still pickup good old garden tractors for free if you look around. Advice and manuals are available for free from garden tractor talk. Good Luck, Rick

[@flippintobyland7257]

Dealers still acting like $30 hr flat rate is great pay 😢. Labor rates $160.

[@boostedmaniac]

Dude, in screwed up CA, it’s $250 labor rate.

[@Youtube_Sold_Out-c4f]

Average labor rate now is $200/hour or more. Mechanic gets $20 of it.

[@themaverickmechanic7240]

Nothing makes me happier than reading the comments about people quitting dealerships. Go out and be mobile. I’ve had more customers have bad experiences at dealerships than any other repair shop. Obviously there’s some serious issues finding good techs to stick around the dealerships. Send the work to the independents!

[@Matthewjo22]

Yeah that’s true, we became slave to these corporations, no healthcare, no proper payee, no vacation not enough support and care why we are working there I don’t know

[@katservices]

That's what I did. It's amazing to me the amount of customers I have that live within a mile or two of shops and dealerships.

[@Matthewjo22]

that's good

[@tonylam9548]

I think the fancy buildings and other overhead costs absorbed too much money and leave little for employees.

[@eNjoiipiNoY]

speaking facts my man, I was a tech at toyota for 4 years. Flat rate was great if you were busy and getting gravy work. Other than that, like you said no repect, no pay, nothing. It's better to be a diesel technician than automotive.

[@Matthewjo22]

one important fact is this, i spoke with many diesel mechanics to they have the same issue, but overall becoming an auto tech in my opinion is not equivalent to nurse even though you spend almost the same amount of time educating yourself, and nurses do not need to buy these much tools and they don't need to upgrade them self every day with new cars and new tools, unfortunately

[@eNjoiipiNoY]

My cousin is a registered nurse, although you are right. It's about the same amount of time for school. Nurses however can specialize in specific healthcare; pediatrics, emergency, anesthesia, the list goes on. I can't speak much about the health industry. I think there's just way more litigation if they mess up.

[@Matthewjo22]

@@eNjoiipiNoY i agree

[@Youtube_Sold_Out-c4f]

@@eNjoiipiNoY As a mechanic you're responsible for every vehicle you touch, if the customer leaves the shop and they get into a wreck or their wheel falls off, engine blows up.. the shop doesn't go to court, the mechanic does. They can sue you.

[@donnysnonsense]

I was an apprentice for a little while and what drove me away wasn't the pay, it was the culture within the dealership I worked for. Managers routinely cussing us out, fellow workers more interested in going on smoke breaks and playing grab ass all day, etc. - it was just incredibly unprofessional. I saw this at more than one dealership and it's not something I was willing to put up with.

[@Matthewjo22]

yeah i was in the same condition, guy next to me constantly burping loud to make other laugh and fart, it was very disgusting environment unfortunate, and i didn't have anyone to blame, they were ol techs and they had value and position and we had to be quiet

[@fahey6797]

I think it is just part of the culture of being a mechanic. I was a jet engine mechanic in the USAF. In my first week after graduating tech school, I was tackled, restrained with duct tape, and hosed down with water. If you bent over to reach under the engine, there was a percentage chance that you would be humped by a fellow mechanic. I adapted to and became a part of this culture myself. We were salary. I worked up to 3 weeks straight, 12 hours monday through sat and 8 on sunday without any extra pay to keep them planes flying. Test cell mechanics worked many more hours for free. I eventually retrained in the medical field and the culture was and still is a stark contrast in comparison.

[@donnysnonsense]

@@fahey6797 Which goes back to my point of it not being what I would consider to be a professional workplace. Getting hazed in the military is one thing, dealing with that sort of childish behavior in the private sector is another issue altogether in my opinion.

[@Youtube_Sold_Out-c4f]

Mechanic shops, especially automotive, you're surrounded by ex-cons and emotionally stunted people. It's like working with 15 year olds.

[@jameswilliamstrucking3769]

Being a dealership Mechanic is the biggest scam in the industry. U don’t learn how to work on cars and u have to beg to move up they rush u all day and never pay u anything

[@Youtube_Sold_Out-c4f]

They just throw young men to the wolves for $14/hour and then act surprised when the turn-over rate is higher than Mcdonald's.

[@markhellman-pn3hn]

working at Burger world - you get paid minimum wage AND you get free food !! .... working as a mechanic - you get paid minimum wage AND have to buy your own tools ?? ..... guess which job im picking !!

[@Matthewjo22]

just compare it, food is 15 dollar, and tools is unending cost with monthly payment and interest

[@RJ9mech]

We also have a shortage of people in my field of aircraft maintenance. People never want to pay for services, and a shortage may be the only way for wages to increase.

[@MarzNet256]

Yes. It is going to come to that or nobody will drive or fly.

[@Tearflavoredcereal]

How’s that job industry doing? Was thinking later in the future maybe trying it.

[@1FiftyOverland]

When I started as a tech in 2007 I was told it was the best time to become a tech. 😂 ive learned it is never a good time to become a tech. I left the industry after 14 years, never looked back.

[@miuyiyuyo]

Living in the deindustrialización of our country...

[@Explorationbybt76]

Been a Chrysler tech for 31 years and their has never beeb a worser time to get into the field. Management is forever finding new ways to pay techs less. The labor rate goes up and my pay rate stays the same. They charge an extra 40$ an hour to work on diesels but i don’t get any of that when i work on diesels so i refuse to work on them.

[@stanbarrington]

My gramps was a Plymouth Chrystler Dodge man all his life. That was without modern and ever evolving computer work. He was wel paid .Afordable home mortgage and simple life expenses too.Now you gotta move back in with the parents…

[@evanm9026]

Facts. Every doctor ive been too has F up. But no one seems ro blame them. I did but your right ppl expect discounts and refunds if ur a technician

[@Matthewjo22]

Yeah man this is the reality of this field, no respect, but if you think we spend more time and money than some nurse to become. A auto tech and we need to keep update ourself and tool box but not nurses

[@jbcowherder6210]

doctors bury their come-backs...........

[@TheJohnbjunior]

Pay 1/2 of flat rate (like it was in the 70's-80's or the shortage now will pale compared to a couple more years

[@Matthewjo22]

that's right

[@doglegjake6788]

Could you imagine doing General motors Warranty work all day long 😂

[@Matthewjo22]

when i started working ar Toyota, that's all i did, do you know why, becuase the advisor were friends with old tech and no chance for me to get good job

[@DavidGutierrez-zi4dy]

Terrible

[@Matthewjo22]

@@Poo-zg8ot good for you, diy mechanic

[@loveamerica2828]

Well until shop owners figure out tech. pay at say $24/hr is a slap in the face when shop rate is $175/hr.......OH AND you need to invest 80k very quickly...OH AND if you don't book any hours because it's slow you don't get paid.....OH AND you have to work weekends....OH AND you have to continually go to school on your own time to keep up with technology....I COULD GO ON FOREVER....35 YEARS as a tech and shop owner!!!!!

[@Matthewjo22]

yeah this is very true, i don't see any other filed and job like this require this much from tech allone

[@domesticatedwolverine4152]

In 2004 I called it quits and sold my tool chest, kept only a handful of tools.

[@Matthewjo22]

@@domesticatedwolverine4152 are you happy now?

[@domesticatedwolverine4152]

@@Matthewjo22 definitely happier

[@Matthewjo22]

@@domesticatedwolverine4152 That's Good

[@victoryfirst2878]

NICE video with honest bold facts about the auto motive trades for sure. I know the small shops days are numbered. The dealers are in the same shape also. Car overhead with excessive prices for vehicles will crash and burn soon too. Peace v

[@Matthewjo22]

that's right thanks

[@DavidWilliams-nl2lw]

No future, don’t waste your time.

[@Matthewjo22]

Looks like you lost your hope man,

[@AllanBrogdon]

Starting as a technician for a major airline with an a&p an 12 years experience. My friend in Arkansas was making more driving a garbage truck.

[@Matthewjo22]

Hahaha yeah I learned through my friend when he came with me and he was working at Walmart, no investment, no tools, no experience he was not speaking English and he was making the same

[@stanbarrington]

Keep looking to someday play with the Majors. I am a 34 year AA guy now offered $69 an hour.I get paid for doing NOTHING . Lifetime job security guaranteed…

[@user-zv3fe4nz8o]

In America the vehicles have increased 20%+ in the last few years and the pay for the techs hasn’t gone up at all in the same time. We can’t afford a base model pick up anymore being a wage slave.

[@Matthewjo22]

Yeah this is true, in some states way more than 20% and unfortunately wages are not very good to, people are suffering despite the fact becoming auto tech is not easy thing it take few years of your life and a lot of money

[@donniewatson9120]

I used to be a mechanic. I was one for 26 years. We were underpaid for way too long. It started with the move from commission to the flat rate pay system. This made it where the shop would be able to increase the labor rate without the mechanic seeing an increase. The reason the labor rate was increased was because this was needed due to inflation and cost of living rising. But this means the shops didn't want the mechanic to get that same cost of living increase because the shop owners thought they shouldn't automatically get it. This caused a major stagnation in the pay of mechanics. It was a big mistake that led to this. BTW, my father was a mechanic his entire career. During the vast majority of this time commission was the pay system. He tended to make better money than many professionals with college degrees. Part of this was his work ethic, but the other part is that he never had to wait on a cost-of-living increase because it was built into the pay structure. If the shop had to increase the labor rate, he got a pay increase.

[@Matthewjo22]

Wow thank you so much, you thought me a lesson, I didnot know that we had commission based system rather than flat rate, yeah I see the issue with flat rate, unfortunately people are racing and they have to cheat sometimes to get paid so they can cover their live expenses thanks for sharing

[@donniewatson9120]

@Matthewjo22 , yea, the flat rate started in the dealerships and then moved to independents.

[@donniewatson9120]

@@Matthewjo22, @ENTHUSIASTICFIFAFAN brought up another point that is accurate. Dealerships also started shorting labor times on warranty work. Basically, they thought the mechanics should carry some of the costs associated with poor manufacturing. It was all messed up.

[@Matthewjo22]

@@donniewatson9120 is this a channel name, i am curious how this flat rate things started, that's right I've experienced this when i was working at a toyota dealer, they tried to put pressure on tech, for example Toyota give warranty, and when the job comes under warranty their flat rate time is less that what our system were saying and they normalized this so people were not complaining anymore but this was scam, why i have to get paid less just because Toyota give the warranty, we are not partners, we are just contractors working here

[@donniewatson9120]

@@Matthewjo22, that's my main channel name. I don't have much content. I haven't actually made any on auto repair issues.

[@Sgtyork488]

I decided few years ago to get something i could totally work on, jeep patriot manual transmission and jk 09 manual transmission, order some parts and build up a few things will keep me running, as i seen issues,

[@BobMatlosz]

I worked as an ASE certified Master and a GM trained Specialist in Electronics mechanic from 1984 to 1997. I left for a career in IT. The first year I did IT I took a pay cut to get started, but two years later I had doubled my salary and was making far more than I had been making as a mechanic. No more filthy clothes, no more injuries and cuts, no more dirty fingernails and grease stained skin. Wore clean clothes to and from work and bought my dream car, a Corvette. So yes, best move I ever made leaving the auto industry and never looking back.

[@DonBMW]

These techs need to open up their own shops. I once had a simple water pump job and paid $600 for a GMC. That was 15 years ago and the final straw. I have not been to a mechanic since. I’ve done all my work since and have done the clutch, suspension, brakes and cooling system overhaul.

[@schmick63]

Same in Australia. Try and book your car at a dealer and the wait is weeks. You have 1 tech to about 4 apprentices. Most good techs have left for higher paying construction jobs or run their own shops as their services are in high demand. People aren't buying new cars, so the servicing of their used car is in demand. BTW, the Govt isn't fixing a thing.

[@Matthewjo22]

This is unfortunate, I thought this is our problem, but I see it is everywhere unfortunately

[@russellwickham8334]

One year ago tomorrow (July 16, 2024) I walked away from the dealership and started a new job working as a contractor doing repair at the OEM. It's been a tough year. But the peace of mind of knowing that at the end of 60 hours, I'm getting paid base rate for the first 40 and 1.5X base rate for the other 20, no matter what headaches were thrown at me has helped my mental health so much that I couldn't consider going back to a dealer no matter the offer. Even salary or hourly, I'm still judged by the hours the OEM sets and as soon as I start getting good enough to make money at the job, the hours get cut. Just not worth the mental beat down.

[@Matthewjo22]

@@russellwickham8334 good luck man,

[@MR3DDev]

I undertand your issue, but when you got to the dealership for an oil change and you have to come back because they forgot to tighten a bolt in one of your wheels that is on technician. In my case it damaged the lug nut and it had to be replaced. I am sure there are awesome mechanics out there but the mayority seem to be pretty incomepetent. I personally think this would be solved with better pay too.

[@Matthewjo22]

Yeah I agree a lot of tech are not honest and they hid the stuff they creat, it should not be like this

[@oliverrojas3185]

I think you said it very well and accurately when describing the benefits and cons of being a mechanic. In 2008, starting out as an auto and tire technician , l made $10.50. As you describe, attic repay is essential , Must be enough to take 😢as an account for the need to buy tools to do jobs or enroll and additional training to enhance your knowledge.

[@toyotoolmastertech]

Started at 12hr in 2005Make 43flatrate .toyo tech nj 120k a year but takes year with experience and certs.. and luck..!!Its a hard industry u have to push urself.

[@Matthewjo22]

There are people are successful with flat rate and all system in place but it is hard to get your foot in and it takes more than skill and tools box

[@jorgelibarra459]

I work at a mom a pop shop. I do brakes. And do alignments, i got some of my tools. And im getting paid 20 an hour without an ASE with comission. went to a toyota interview just to see what they say and they said id be paid 18 and in order to get 20(flat rate) mind you, I need ASE and so on so on.. dealerships are a joke to work at.

[@Matthewjo22]

ASE is not bad but i think when you have it you should get way more than what they pay, otherwise it doesnot make sense, it is like a college, takes time and money it needs to be worth it, but yeah local shop is better as far as hourly rate and commission, specially for newbies

[@vincentkosik403]

I knew a nice young guy that went to trade school to be a mechanic and worked for a dealership....that was forty years ago...after a while he left the trade and was disappointed and turned off by the BS...did not want to deal with it

[@Matthewjo22]

Yeah a lot of people these days are quieting or they no longer interested to work there or become a auto tech at all, and this will effect the future of this industry

[@pablochavez9087]

Went to school for it. Tried it when I was 19 for a year and again when I was 25. It ain't worth it. Start off getting paid like trash but are expected to spend $100's every month buying tools. Then expected to buy a scanner worth $1,000's. Then the stress of it gets old. Service writers selling work at 3 PM when you want to go home on time. Flat rate makes mechanics into hacks. I loved actually fixing the cars but the nonsense that comes with it ain't worth it. Especially in AZ the summers Temps are like 110°. Won't ever work in that field or advise anyone to work in that field. Mechanics get screwed while the shop owner or service advisor just sit in a office breathing down your neck.

[@Matthewjo22]

Yeah unfortunately everybody in this field feel the same way, we all paid for tools and spend time to learn and got to deal with uneducated advisors, this is the reality

[@505fastlife6]

@pablocjavez9087 I just spent the weekend in Phoenix and noticed that in a lot of small shops the bays are outside. I have never seen this anywhere else and would not work outside over there considering it is 90 at 8:30am.

[@Matthewjo22]

@@505fastlife6 Him, i didnot see either, why they do that? weather or?

[@pablochavez9087]

Yeah, alot of work gets done outside. Just space issues. People are gonna cheap out and get small lots and make people work outside. Even if it is an inside shop they all have swamps coolers. So it is still like 90 degrees with humidity

[@kurtiscal3msetccdwell618]

I dont like how I was treated. The bosses think you're their property and I dont like that. I spent to much money on tools and training and everything else I bought to do this job and to get treated like crap and have to hang around the most miserable people on Earth. It was pretty bad the 5 years I spent doing it. People dont respect mechanics. They dont pay mechanics worth anything. You have to fight over everything that's rightfully yours. You get treated like you're suppose to work for free and do the shop a favor. It lacks professionalism. Go do something else.

[@Matthewjo22]

i am so sorry you had this horrible experience, i know it is painful after all you did to get to the position that you deserve, I've had same problems not just from punishment also from other techs they didnot like new comers like me, they bullied me to laugh unfortunately

[@kurtiscal3msetccdwell618]

@@Matthewjo22 It's bad everywhere. I never knew grown men could act like teenage girls with the drama. They lie and slander you to the managers and do it to anybody who shows up and wants to give a damn. There aint no room for that in the automotive field.

[@Matthewjo22]

@@kurtiscal3msetccdwell618 yeah that's true, they spoil some of the other tech or advisor so they can run the kingdom forever

[@HoodRich521]

I’m currently in school to get my certifications as a auto/diesel technician

[@Matthewjo22]

Good luck man,

[@HoodRich521]

@@Matthewjo22 thanks

[@donays8241]

Mechanics are valuable, the dealership does not value their jobs, paying them a pittance salary.

[@Matthewjo22]

That's The issue I am trying to bring up, we spend so much time and money to educate ourselves and buy all kinds of tools and get certification and end up worth nothing and treated like crap

[@k0c1l]

IMHO, it is also more difficult to fix modern cars, because it seems that the cars contain secrets that only authorized auto shop can touch it. So it is harder to be an independent mechanics.

[@stanbarrington]

As a shade tree guy for my own cars,I will pay dealer to TROUBLESHOOT and recomend the repair, esp if really complicated which I will then do on my own. Saves me lots of time and money.

[@isaacstrade9358]

A technician is someone who knows how the system works and can accurately diagnose the issue. Guess who will do said repairs the mechanic that’s the difference jack

[@loganroberge7632]

If your planning on turning wrenches auto tech is one of the worst ideas you can have . I worked at Honda and a couple other dealers as a certified tech as pay per job. It was the worst experience of my life , they would screw me on a daily occurrence. Warranty claims , job times, etc . I locked my box and walked . I think Honda my average pay was 27/h . During this time I studied heavy equipment and wrote the test and passed . I applied at a mine as a mobile mechanic. I work underground and make about 65$/h and work half the time . I more than doubled my wage while having a life between work. Do yourself a favour stay away from stealerships

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

NADA. IMO they are the problem. if your wages are artificially low due to corruption then you will have shortage. I left Mercedes many years ago due to horrible wages and conditions.

[@Matthewjo22]

Yeah that’s true they are the one wants to abuse people to make money but we need to find a way to fix it other wise there is no future in this industry

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

@@Matthewjo22 3 things. 1 end NADA, 2 make flat rate be determined by how long it takes the mechanic to do the job right by the book and prove it. 3 40$ an hour

[@Matthewjo22]

@@narcissistinjurygiver2932 I agree 100%

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

@@Matthewjo22 spread the word

[@Matthewjo22]

@@narcissistinjurygiver2932 you guys need to help to, share the video please, this is not for clickbate and view, it is about people’s life and future of this country car industry

[@thomas4315]

Because as kids they never lean to fix their car a fire stone told me only on Saturday you can get a troubleshooting guy who can do it. That likly a old timer retire on call lol

[@thomas4315]

O yea they don’t drop the oil pan anywhere now, it’s just a jubi oil by pump

[@jaygames1980]

When I started I had enough money per hour to servive and buy tool's. 20 years later I can barely afford all the tools needed and don't make enough to servive. I can go work somewhere else with my Automotive Technology College training and make enough without spending money on tools and not have to keep up with all this extra technology put into vehicles. I enjoy it but people don't understand how technical some diagnostics get. I still get called to friends shops and other shops just to help diagnose and adjust complex mechanical problems.

[@Matthewjo22]

that right, it is very hard to keep up with new cars and tools every, that's why this industry is so stressful

[@davidbartch8917]

collision repair same thing, only the problem begins with insurance companies then the employers!

[@Matthewjo22]

But I was comparing Insurence payment vs warranty and there is huge difference

[@nu3qamateurradio930]

Also - cars are way over engineered and too hard to fix.

[@Matthewjo22]

Yeah, this is one of the main reason, it is hard to keep up with demands

[@818familiacarlife]

I recall that in the 80s mechanics were making bank. Just like truck drivers, changes happen and executives earn more to keep a company forward. No good - real workers deserve more.

[@crazydaisy1334]

This video is very accurate

[@Matthewjo22]

thanks man for you support

[@lotus956]

If all mechanics , truck drivers, plumbers, hvac workers, electricians etc… stopped working for a year this country would come to a stop. Don’t forget who makes this country go. Pay accordingly.

[@mikejohns3104]

Believe you me, Dealership Management is TRAINED to get every last resource out of you that they can. The SAME as they are trained to get every last cent out of every car deal.

[@Matthewjo22]

Yeah that’s right, they never stand in our side, they think their own benefits and it is obvious

[@mikejohns3104]

@@Matthewjo22 Yes sir. I got out long ago, but my advice to you and yours is #1 Make this known. #2 go out on your own. Only way to make it.

[@Matthewjo22]

@@mikejohns3104 yeah I try with your help, thanks for advice

[@Joemama-crzy]

Marina charging almost 300hr labor rate , tech $20.

[@Matthewjo22]

same as Dealer, they charge 180 and more and tec h get 20 or 30 the most

[@rogerfroud300]

The problem is that people don't respect mechanical ability. People call them 'grease monkeys', which is shockingly demeaning. It's going to take a lot to turn this around. You need to set up on your own, not be an employee.

[@Matthewjo22]

That’s right, not much value and respect in society toward auto tech, I have my own business now

[@Number704]

Wasted a lot of time/money in my 20s on it. Learn it to fix your own stuff. F the dealers, F the service writers and F the parts people. Got a job as a teacher and make MORE money.

[@jasonwareing905]

Who doesn't want to earn $15-16 an hour?! Mechanics of all trades are treated like shit and paid as such. I see there's a thousand videos on youtube and am shocked this is even still a question.

[@cboyamg]

I see all these videos of mechanics talking about pay and I’m confused. I started at 26/hr with no training or certification. Every year I have gotten a raise. 10 years later I’m making over 3 times that rate. Am I somehow the only one in the country with this pay? Lucky? That good? I don’t understand

[@Matthewjo22]

if we leave this on luck thats the problem, we invest time and money and good money need to be guarantee

[@garygardner9677]

In the late 80s I made 30% labor and 3% on parts. I made good money back then. In 91 I moved moved to Utah where I was paid $18 per hour flag (a big pay cut) Flag sucks since you also don't get pay increases when the shop rate increases. That's when I knew there was no future for me turning wrenches.

[@christianlorenz843]

I've been in the industry for decades. And while I've bucked the system and made pretty good money, I wouldn't chose to do it again. I advise young guys to stay away from it. It's true. It's dirty, stressful, often unappreciated work, under usually really poor working conditions. There are better, easier more respected trades out there.

[@tronaboron_99]

When you realize after buying a new hybrid, something goes wrong, you call your dealership for an appt- ok , we can get you in 3 weeks...😬

[@stanbarrington]

Shit,buy a classic heap,with a small block engine no emmisions,simple electrical system.Tags and insurance a few hundred a year…?

[@nathannewsome7951]

Good Video

[@HEHE-dx9og]

When your a mechanic you some how become a personal mechanic to all your friends neighbors and family. And your expected to work for free. I gave up being a mechanic back in 2000. I went to the local electric company. Now making way more money, way less stress, And they supply everything I need to do my job. Mechanics are under paid, over worked and expected to be able to fix anything.

[@Matthewjo22]

In the beginning yes this is true, unfortunately still these days wherever i go people ask about their car and i learn thid to be straight and ask for payment, i don't care who is that person i have a family to take care of

[@bullitthead7853]

On the flip side though, we CAN fix anything. We know: electrical, electronics, HVAC, hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanics, welding etc... I've fixed my furnace, A/C, hot water heater, laundry drier, oven, stove, garage door opener and my PC-both hardware and software related issues. I know what you were getting at though, we are expected to be able to fix any automotive issue, and we're expected to just know how to do it, doesn't matter that automotive technology changes at an incredibly fast rate and is nearly impossible to keep up with (especially if you service all makes and models).

[@arthouston7361]

I left in July of 2000 to go and fly jets. It isn't just a pay problem. It's a working conditions and respect problem, too. The gene pool for techs was once shared with plumbers and carpenters. Now, the guys with the same innate talents are programmers and system admins, for 2 to 3 times the money, and people respect them.

[@Matthewjo22]

That truth, is not just pay, the culture, and value is not exist unfortunately

[@bullitthead7853]

You are absolutely correct. I've been saying this for years, the people that are intelligent enough to become competent automotive technicians are also smart enough not to. Why should I bleed (literally) at work every day when I could work in IT or programming instead?

[@WaitForYouu]

the dealerships give the service writers the tech's money

[@newtec-kd6vy]

How much can a small shop owner make? Just them and is fully booked

[@Matthewjo22]

it is all depend but my shop with 7 tech we made 30k per month revenue

[@newtec-kd6vy]

@@Matthewjo22 revenue or profit?

[@Matthewjo22]

@@newtec-kd6vy revenue

[@charlespratt8663]

Tool boxes have wheels for a reason.

[@Matthewjo22]

Hahaha that’s right

[@8alakai8]

i dont understand wy if you work at adealer you have to buy your tools wtf i worked at a dealer in the netherlands yes bad pay but i did not have to pay the tools and got paid by the hour no flatrate flatrate was only for how much the customer pays

[@turbodog99]

Good mechanic needs excellent communication skills. Once you’ve mastered that problem, then you don’t have any more irate customers.

[@Matthewjo22]

that's true, unfortunately, when i started i didnot have this skill, I barely spoke proper English, and took a while so I could understand what was going on.

[@bullitthead7853]

A good mechanic shouldn't be required to deal with customers. The two functions require completely different skill sets and should be two separate job positions.

[@pizzaparty-r1c]

Well, digging a ditch is way more difficult and intense than being a mechanic, but the diggers still get low pay. Just because its hard work, doesn't mean it should pay well. I'm not paying high dollar for a mechanic to change my oil, when I can do it myself for a fraction of the price and time.

[@Matthewjo22]

yeah but oil change is just 1 percent of all jobs that we do, being tech is require more knowledge than digging ditch, require many years of experince, tools and upgrade

[@ThisOldMan-ya472]

Employment SUCKS and has been going downhill since the 1970's. EVERY skilled trade including carpenters, electricians and even plumbers do not make a decent wage. Part of the problem is the overhead costs of an employer. Worker's compensation, pension contributions, taxes, fees, structures and equipment, insurance, etc........... However, as an Employer, one can not run a thriving business without staff, and there are managers, bookkeepers, tax consultants, lawyers, receptionists and janitors, etc. All their wages and fees have to be paid too. Now, an employer or self-employed technician needs computer equipment, software fees, licences, etc........... People gravitate to where the money is.

[@Matthewjo22]

oh man i opened a shop before provide and closed it after covid, the amount of headache overhead and stress was beyond my ability, we mad 30k revenue every month, and end of the month i was less than my employee, i sld it and i am happy

[@thereare4lights137]

It used to be the mechanic was paid 1/3 of the shop door rate, which was fair. Door rate has been going up and up, but our wages stay the same. We are looked upon as second class citizens.

[@Youtube_Sold_Out-c4f]

You're looked at as a slave and a thief, the mechanic used to get paid 50% of the door rate and 3-5% on parts.

[@theirishman088]

I was let go after working in a body shop for 14 years all while the billionaire owner sends out an email saying he bought a pro female volleyball team. All while they can't get anyone to work so it falls back on us. You can't get people to work so you let people go? I would not tell anyone to work in a dealership, EVER. It's the worst move anyone can make. You pay out your ass in tools and never get the money back. Worst career choice ever.

[@Matthewjo22]

bad experience, i liked the comment, this is true, you can't get people you don't need to let other go

[@Shaojeemy]

They need to be paid better, and education shouldn't as expensive as it is right now. $60-80k in debt for $30/hr is a joke.

[@Kabyesiza]

If you dont get paid enough of worthy.... Then open and run your own shop ... And charge your way ... Unless the laws prohibit..

[@clemnewton9007]

Pay for there tools all mechanics should nake 30 hr just to start pay is bs for training etc mean while ever owner dealership gets rich you are luck if you can afford the dollar tree

[@ofwolfandmanii]

I went to Hyundai for an interview and I couldn't stop laughing at how bad of a deal they put on the table .

[@coexist1018]

Independent family tire/repair shops are better that cooperate dealerships

[@alanmeyers3957]

$18 per hour wasn’t bad!?! That’s the problem.

[@Matthewjo22]

i didn't understand what do you mean, but compare it with people work in warehouse with same wages and zero investment

[@seanfox4551]

Pay people correctly and there won't be a problem.

[@Matthewjo22]

Honestly I know some people are not relay tech and they just pretend, they are here just to steal money but real tech need to get what they deserve

[@mikalcobbs9402]

Because the job is suck and the pay is suck, dealerships being especially guilty of it.

[@helljester2395]

Become a mechanic is too much pain and not much pay

[@Matthewjo22]

if you can move yourself o next stage and own a business there are huge opportunity out there but if you want to stay employed not much you can get

[@williamrosenow6176]

I had my kid help me with a head gasket and heater core on a 2006 equinox. He works at Pizza Hut now. I ask him if he would rather do a head gasket and he said no. I worked on cars, trucks, semi's, excavators and cranes and I would rather make pizza's too. Pizza makers can at least lick the grease off their fingers.

[@chrisl6263]

I make double as an hvac tech than an auto tech. Just saying... jman make 70 an hour..

[@Matthewjo22]

@@chrisl6263 yeah I know man, that’s why this video exist

[@eddiesopatron4148]

This industry is a joke!

[@Matthewjo22]

I think the way we get paid and the way they treat auto tech is a real joke, under valued, less paid, over work

[@davidturczak7253]

@@Matthewjo22tell me about it . I been in this industry for 30 years and the only thing it gave me was a bad spine that caused me to lose half the function of my left arm . This field is made for younger people but that not going to happen until they start paying people what they deserve.

[@khamizam]

The society did not appreciate the mechanic like doctor.

[@theonetheycallsix2526]

i left the industry due to how terrible to pay is and how much stress you put on your body. went to an ac desk and make more than i did as a tech

[@technicianartist2565]

nobody will fix this system. it will continue forever.

[@Matthewjo22]

I think you are right but we as auto tech missing a huge support, not valued and undervalued I can say and easy to blame, this need to be chnage, the amount of time and energy and Investment it take to be some auto tech I can say it is equal and o become a doctor or engineer but why they get bigger paycheck and respect why not us I think we neeed to do something for ourselves if government does not

[@technicianartist2565]

Yes... And that would be a change in career solution 😁. Better to fix your own car. And forget other people's cars. It's a waste of time.

[@willyhwang1059]

you know why mechanics get paid so little? because the cars they work on tend to be depreciating assets.

[@DMP6969]

It’s a cool hobby but not a way to make a living. All my friends in Union trades all have nice houses, toys, millions dollar retirement accounts, and very very rarely work overtime or weekends.

[@joefran619]

It's called simple Economics. Pay More!

[@scouttrails4488]

Overworked and significantly underpaid Charges the customer 150 per hour then pays mechanic 20

[@ToyotatechDK]

I’m glad that it’s not the same way in Denmark.

[@Matthewjo22]

how is it over there we are curious

[@ToyotatechDK]

@@Matthewjo22 first of all, we get all the tools nessasery from the dealership. We as technicians don´t pay for anything. And we don´t get payed by how many jobs we finish

[@Matthewjo22]

@@ToyotatechDK I use to live in Turkeye and in turkey they use same methods, shops they provide tools, this is the first timer I’ve seen this here we have to buy all tools and make huge parts of income as tools payment unfortunately and thanks for sharing

[@randydomingo4614]

The main reason mechanic are leaving and almost impossible to find good talent is because of all those ignorant, greedy, selfish management. Management have always been irresponsible and always blames others, they are called YESman, sukups,kissarses. And always been jealous of other employees making more money than them that they are incharge of.

[@vincemartin5323]

There is a Slave Shortage.....not a skilled labor shortage.

[@Matthewjo22]

Well Said, Thanks

[@bullitthead7853]

I feel like it actually is a skilled labor shortage too, just because of how complicated newer vehicles are. The amount of intelligence and training required to excel in this field is incredible. Even if techs were making 150k+ per year I still think it would be difficult to find competent people.