I have been a diesel mechanic for a little over 30 years. Im from Alaska and started in Alaska and have worked from Prudhoe Bay to Northern Mexico. In that time ive worked at the #1 and #2 Caterpillar dealerships in the world as well as for myself and other small companies. The truck mechanics ALWAYS made the least amount compared to Electrical Power Generation , Industrial, and Marine. I am and have always been a FIELD MECHANIC. Shop mechanics make wayy less for the obvious reasons...they are not field mechanics they are shop mechanics just like automotive shop mechanics. I make very good wages and if i wanted to i could double or triple what im getting now with a phone call. Any monkey can be trained to work 9-5 in a shop being a parts replacer..thats just the way its always been. California is proof of that. There's guys that cant speak their own language there, working in truck shops for dirt and thats what f#cks up those wages. Those guys aren't doing what i do ...they cant. Theres a ton of work out there for field mechanics. Alaska alone has endless positions. In the very least if you want to make real money be A GENERATOR MECHANIC -EPG. Carry a fluke meter and a 1/4" socket set ffs. Field mechanics dont buy big roll aways from the snap on dealers for tons of money...thats just stupid man. We work out of vans,trucks, travel bags etc. Anyways with that being said, its not necessarily that people dont want to do this, its that they were never born. The work force doesnt exist. Theres no bodies. Add to that the feminization of young men, and shitty highschools with shitty school boards and no vocational training and presto...here we are. I can get anyone with some skill a job that pays tomorrow.
I want to move and work in Alaska so bad. Im over the lower 48 lol I just moved my parents in and my Dad has parkinsons so that ain't happening any time soon.
Just made a video on this too. I’m 33, just got into this industry cause I knew I could make much more than I was in warehousing, and I was right, but even only being in this field for a very short time, I’m now seeing all the warning signs they don’t talk about elsewhere. I’ve been to 3 semi truck fleet shops now in PA and only because they sucked and wouldn’t pay more. I got $6 in raises in under 1.5 years. It’s a tough industry for sure. Makes me wonder what to do in my future. Good video, keep them coming.
Thank you, sir, just trying to tell it like it is, they keep telling everyone we make $100,000 or more a year, and that's not true, most wrenches are going to make $35,000 to $65,000 and year, I know there are people that make more but it's not the norm. Th investment to be a mechanic is not worth the payoff
If you can make it work financially get out as soon as possible! I shut my shop down about 2 months ago, and I haven’t felt this good in 10 + yrs. It’s just not worth it, the ever since customers, bad parts, overpriced tools, whiners, back/knee pain will just send you to an early grave. When I get done doing some projects on the house I plan on just getting something (easy) part time, and flipping some toys on the side. I’m not touching a wrench to anything I don’t own ever again.
I hung up my wrenches for a number of reasons. Problems with management and poor wages. I suffer from permanent nerve damage now. I am now an owner operator and my biggest regret is that I didn't do it sooner. I still do some mechanic work, but I pick and choose what I do. And obviously I meticulously maintain my own equipment.
47 years in, full time, Before that grew up in family shops, grandfather, uncles etc all mechanics. Did trucks, forklifts, heavy equipment, and all kinds of industrial machinery. Now I own a fairly large shop, but I'm old and winding down, can't hire decent help. Boys aren't growing up building go-carts, minibikes, dirtbikes, or even forts in the woods anymore. I'm sorry but you can't start at 30 years old and expect to be good. The worst thing I'm hearing is from corporate morons who seem to think a skilled mechanic is something that you can create out of any laborer in a years time.
I'm convinced the people coming over the boarder are our replacements. I understand the reasoning with the tech shortage but we have to keep in mind what these companies are capable of. Might want to tread lightly.
This is a much needed video. I’m new to the field myself and have been contemplating other options as well. Current teaching myself Tig welding titanium and stainless simply cuz I enjoy learning it but have been looking into the aerospace gigs a little. It seems just like this trade though… 70% make bottom Doller and a few smart/lucky guys find a way to niche into the higher end. Space X paying Tig welders starting $26
When I started in the auto industry about 10 years ago things looked promising.. but now 10 years on and thousands in tools and training and the money just isn't tracking like it used to. Everywhere I've been the prospect of a "raise" was minimal including where I work now seeing as most people either had to take different jobs or threaten to quit to get so called raises after years including myself. What's the point of knowing how to turn wrenches when easier jobs pay more and people that know what they're doing watch a far less skilled tech get hired on for more.. but the bosses get annoyed we complain. $50k in tools and years of training...I'm almost done..
It’s so sad to hear this , most dealers don’t even know how to do an overhead these days , they hire these college economizt kids as mechanics and it seems like they only know to talk and lie in the application/résumé . Most are “ engineers / mechanics “ on paper and you can’t really blame them because these kids get sandwich artists rates. Idk but I feel like we’re on the edge . 💩 has hit the fan a long time ago . All these bottle a** washing dipper heads everywhere, no restaurants any truck stops anywhere . Good luck
ive been at my dealer for 27yrs now.my wifes been at her xray job for 12yrs...she made $20k more than me last year and has much better benefits on top of that.why i told both my daughters to go into the medical field.i know a commercial plumber with only 10yrs experience at the same place and makes around $100k a year!wtf am i doing working on cars!
I hear ya Brother, with the pay rates around here, your better off doing something else, then you don't have to buy tools and keep up with the last equipment, and don't have to deal with BS when units come back for regen issues that they didn't want to fix the first time
I really want to be a mechanic, just starting going to Pennco in Blackwood for diesel technician straight out of high school and hearing all these stories are scaring me. I want to work in this field but I don’t want to get backstab. I don’t know what to do
@@Loyalist-i7p I would suggest going into HVAC or Plumbing more money less tools, and you can start a small company down road and make a ton of money, being a mechanic companies expect you to know everything, work for pennies, work day and night and weekends and holidays and spend most of your money to the tool guy, unless you get in with NJ Transit or Septa
I'm an HVAC tech because of flat rate pay. I never became a mechanic because of flatrate, so I went for HVAC and plumbing. I have so much respect for mechanics. You guys get treated like the bottom of the barrel, and you get paid like sh**.
@@jamesboone3678the problem is no cares until they need something fixed, then they want it fixed the cheapest and fastest way then want a lifetime warranty on everything
@danhewitt5109 you said in the video that you wanted to retire soon or leave the industry. Brother, we are dying for HVAC techs. You already know advanced electrical, and I assume a broad understanding of HVAC. You'd thrive in this industry. I say switch over, man. Plus, during the winter months, we get a little bit of a break from summer craziness. $5,000 of tools is all you need to start this industry, brother. You'll be making at least $28 an hour by the time you are one year in. We are also struggling to hire young guys. They don't listen. They think they know everything, so they pay older guys more to do the job. I honestly hope you jump, and they realize that they lost an amazing tech.
@danhewitt5109 I have a friend who went from a Pipefitter to a diesel tech. A substantial pay cut on his part. He left after a year, and they treated him like trash. Now he's a Pipefitter again, making $130 on contract pay an hour, and his union pay is $69 an hour pension, full benefits, everything. He's part of Union 761 in Burbank, California. His pay keeps going up. All you need to know is basic math, and that's it. The union teaches you everything else. If the industry can't treat you well, then leave brother.
I work in Heavy Equipment because truck mechanics especially in dealerships don’t make any pay. After 30 years my body is beat. 2 back surgeries, 1 neck surgery, cut off 3 fingers. I am now an instructor because my body is junk. But working in the union I got paid by the hour not by the job. But as long as someone will do it cheaper and like crap. The trucking companies dont care as long as they roll down the road and the cheap junk mechanic make the rates go down for everyone.
Sadly, I see that in the automotive repair shops at the dealer level. They're hiring bodies to fuck up cars and then have you come back to spend more money to fix your vehicle, after the fuck up the with the under experienced techs are doing,(not you sir) it can also cause liability issues when improper repairs are not done right causing injury or death, especially with vehicles. A legal rip off that state attorney generals need to look into these shady business practices with these auto/truck repair shops. It is crazy... Great video, good luck in your future..
I tried to get into the industry but nobody was very willing to give me a chance, so for now I went back to welding. Every bit as bad and has been that way the last 40 years. Shit rolls downhill
To guys looking to get into the field or even for the guys that have been in for a while. Get into fleet! Less stress, usually better pay, better benefits, union. Check your municipalities, garbage companies, phone companies, utility companies, school bus companies. Don’t go to dealers or independent shops. Not saying there isn’t exceptions. I make 46 an hour as a fleet tech
I don't know where you are located but here in PA and NJ you will never make anywhere near $46hr, most will top out around $30 unless you specialize or been there 15 to 20 years
@@danhewitt5109 im in NJ brother. Wouldn’t bullshit, just trying to help out guys that are fed up. I was at a small independent shop for years. Just trying to shine some light into some companies that most people wouldn’t really think of
@@danhewitt5109 depending where in PA/NJ your located I may have a couple of companies to look at if your interested. I spent a while looking for a place that pays well. But I found it. Give me your email and I can try to help brother
@@meorge9359 I glad you doing well, most guys aren't, I'm in Pa we have this crap called The Railroad Act which some companies are able to get out of paying overtime, just straight time. Fleet around me is paying $17 to $24 and the ones that offer most base it off a 60 hour work week. Just doesn't seem worth it to me
Its all about $ Americans make choices based off money greed just destroys families and companies i know a dude who makes alot has three vehicles and a home just a janitor.
I have no problem with people making money, if you have a skill set, but higher skill set should be paid higher, a mechanic needs to be trained, knowledgeable, and have a ton of tools more than more other trades, but their get paid a few dollars more then fast food in some cases, and companies are asking where are all the mechanics, really!
thats why when i finish diesel mechanic school i will work on off road equipment theres more money and pace of the work is slower nobody wants to work heavy equipment cuz nobody likes electrical and hydraulics
This whole career is just a great way to spend $68,000 in tools just to bring in $48,000 a year.
Afyer 38 years putting up with smart aas supervisors and low pay,the arthritis is so bad in my hands,Im on constant pain meds...for nuthin.
I have been a diesel mechanic for a little over 30 years. Im from Alaska and started in Alaska and have worked from Prudhoe Bay to Northern Mexico. In that time ive worked at the #1 and #2 Caterpillar dealerships in the world as well as for myself and other small companies. The truck mechanics ALWAYS made the least amount compared to Electrical Power Generation , Industrial, and Marine. I am and have always been a FIELD MECHANIC. Shop mechanics make wayy less for the obvious reasons...they are not field mechanics they are shop mechanics just like automotive shop mechanics. I make very good wages and if i wanted to i could double or triple what im getting now with a phone call. Any monkey can be trained to work 9-5 in a shop being a parts replacer..thats just the way its always been. California is proof of that. There's guys that cant speak their own language there, working in truck shops for dirt and thats what f#cks up those wages. Those guys aren't doing what i do ...they cant. Theres a ton of work out there for field mechanics. Alaska alone has endless positions. In the very least if you want to make real money be A GENERATOR MECHANIC -EPG. Carry a fluke meter and a 1/4" socket set ffs. Field mechanics dont buy big roll aways from the snap on dealers for tons of money...thats just stupid man. We work out of vans,trucks, travel bags etc. Anyways with that being said, its not necessarily that people dont want to do this, its that they were never born. The work force doesnt exist. Theres no bodies. Add to that the feminization of young men, and shitty highschools with shitty school boards and no vocational training and presto...here we are. I can get anyone with some skill a job that pays tomorrow.
I hear ya Brother
I want to move and work in Alaska so bad. Im over the lower 48 lol
I just moved my parents in and my Dad has parkinsons so that ain't happening any time soon.
@Smokkedandslammed you're a good man.
Bro spittin fire
@@warmlandmobilebrakes We're on the same page Brother
Just made a video on this too. I’m 33, just got into this industry cause I knew I could make much more than I was in warehousing, and I was right, but even only being in this field for a very short time, I’m now seeing all the warning signs they don’t talk about elsewhere. I’ve been to 3 semi truck fleet shops now in PA and only because they sucked and wouldn’t pay more. I got $6 in raises in under 1.5 years. It’s a tough industry for sure. Makes me wonder what to do in my future. Good video, keep them coming.
Thank you, sir, just trying to tell it like it is, they keep telling everyone we make $100,000 or more a year, and that's not true, most wrenches are going to make $35,000 to $65,000 and year, I know there are people that make more but it's not the norm. Th investment to be a mechanic is not worth the payoff
If you can make it work financially get out as soon as possible! I shut my shop down about 2 months ago, and I haven’t felt this good in 10 + yrs. It’s just not worth it, the ever since customers, bad parts, overpriced tools, whiners, back/knee pain will just send you to an early grave.
When I get done doing some projects on the house I plan on just getting something (easy) part time, and flipping some toys on the side. I’m not touching a wrench to anything I don’t own ever again.
I hear ya Brother, I just dropped the wrenches about 3 weeks ago, no regrets
I hung up my wrenches for a number of reasons. Problems with management and poor wages. I suffer from permanent nerve damage now.
I am now an owner operator and my biggest regret is that I didn't do it sooner. I still do some mechanic work, but I pick and choose what I do. And obviously I meticulously maintain my own equipment.
I hear ya Brother, just stop wrenching 2 weeks ago, no regrets
@@danhewitt5109are you done now?
@@wadeariss448 I just got into a transit auth, basically a state job
47 years in, full time, Before that grew up in family shops, grandfather, uncles etc all mechanics. Did trucks, forklifts, heavy equipment, and all kinds of industrial machinery. Now I own a fairly large shop, but I'm old and winding down, can't hire decent help. Boys aren't growing up building go-carts, minibikes, dirtbikes, or even forts in the woods anymore. I'm sorry but you can't start at 30 years old and expect to be good.
The worst thing I'm hearing is from corporate morons who seem to think a skilled mechanic is something that you can create out of any laborer in a years time.
I totally agree with you
They think that in construction too. Hire someone with 0 experience and expect you to teach them how to be a carpenter in a few months
I'm convinced the people coming over the boarder are our replacements. I understand the reasoning with the tech shortage but we have to keep in mind what these companies are capable of. Might want to tread lightly.
This is a much needed video. I’m new to the field myself and have been contemplating other options as well. Current teaching myself Tig welding titanium and stainless simply cuz I enjoy learning it but have been looking into the aerospace gigs a little. It seems just like this trade though… 70% make bottom Doller and a few smart/lucky guys find a way to niche into the higher end. Space X paying Tig welders starting $26
When I started in the auto industry about 10 years ago things looked promising.. but now 10 years on and thousands in tools and training and the money just isn't tracking like it used to. Everywhere I've been the prospect of a "raise" was minimal including where I work now seeing as most people either had to take different jobs or threaten to quit to get so called raises after years including myself. What's the point of knowing how to turn wrenches when easier jobs pay more and people that know what they're doing watch a far less skilled tech get hired on for more.. but the bosses get annoyed we complain. $50k in tools and years of training...I'm almost done..
The automotive trade is a broken mess. I do think licencing this trade years ago would have fixed a lot of the pay issues though.
I quit as a mechanic Ive been driver Uber making 40 per hour.
Nice, I dropped the wrenches 3 weeks ago, looking into building Maintenace
I’m just tired of the rush rush type of job environment.
Rush rush rush, the unit sits outside waiting for pick up, or not used for a week
Dude right. Wonder why most mechanics have drinking problems lol
It’s so sad to hear this , most dealers don’t even know how to do an overhead these days , they hire these college economizt kids as mechanics and it seems like they only know to talk and lie in the application/résumé . Most are “ engineers / mechanics “ on paper and you can’t really blame them because these kids get sandwich artists rates. Idk but I feel like we’re on the edge . 💩 has hit the fan a long time ago . All these bottle a** washing dipper heads everywhere, no restaurants any truck stops anywhere . Good luck
I'm sorry to hear this. There isn't many good options. You do, what you gotta do.
Ty, I put down the wrenches a few weeks ago, looking to get into something else
ive been at my dealer for 27yrs now.my wifes been at her xray job for 12yrs...she made $20k more than me last year and has much better benefits on top of that.why i told both my daughters to go into the medical field.i know a commercial plumber with only 10yrs experience at the same place and makes around $100k a year!wtf am i doing working on cars!
been working on junk for 28 years i'm totally ready to flip burgers better pay and benefits. also helps sht is paid for
I hear ya Brother, with the pay rates around here, your better off doing something else, then you don't have to buy tools and keep up with the last equipment, and don't have to deal with BS when units come back for regen issues that they didn't want to fix the first time
where i am in a big city a lot of construction workers just use scooters to get to work
I really want to be a mechanic, just starting going to Pennco in Blackwood for diesel technician straight out of high school and hearing all these stories are scaring me. I want to work in this field but I don’t want to get backstab. I don’t know what to do
@@Loyalist-i7p I would suggest going into HVAC or Plumbing more money less tools, and you can start a small company down road and make a ton of money, being a mechanic companies expect you to know everything, work for pennies, work day and night and weekends and holidays and spend most of your money to the tool guy, unless you get in with NJ Transit or Septa
I'm an HVAC tech because of flat rate pay. I never became a mechanic because of flatrate, so I went for HVAC and plumbing. I have so much respect for mechanics. You guys get treated like the bottom of the barrel, and you get paid like sh**.
It wasn't always like this, and it's going to get worse
@@danhewitt5109 it's just sad. Mechanic keep the world moving.
@@jamesboone3678the problem is no cares until they need something fixed, then they want it fixed the cheapest and fastest way then want a lifetime warranty on everything
@danhewitt5109 you said in the video that you wanted to retire soon or leave the industry. Brother, we are dying for HVAC techs. You already know advanced electrical, and I assume a broad understanding of HVAC. You'd thrive in this industry. I say switch over, man. Plus, during the winter months, we get a little bit of a break from summer craziness. $5,000 of tools is all you need to start this industry, brother. You'll be making at least $28 an hour by the time you are one year in. We are also struggling to hire young guys. They don't listen. They think they know everything, so they pay older guys more to do the job. I honestly hope you jump, and they realize that they lost an amazing tech.
@danhewitt5109 I have a friend who went from a Pipefitter to a diesel tech. A substantial pay cut on his part. He left after a year, and they treated him like trash. Now he's a Pipefitter again, making $130 on contract pay an hour, and his union pay is $69 an hour pension, full benefits, everything. He's part of Union 761 in Burbank, California. His pay keeps going up. All you need to know is basic math, and that's it. The union teaches you everything else. If the industry can't treat you well, then leave brother.
This will be good if all mechanics quit and everything comes to a halt and maybe mechs will get the respect they deserve
Those other guys who you said was making more money for less work, which trades are you referring too? Thanks
I work in Heavy Equipment because truck mechanics especially in dealerships don’t make any pay. After 30 years my body is beat. 2 back surgeries, 1 neck surgery, cut off 3 fingers. I am now an instructor because my body is junk. But working in the union I got paid by the hour not by the job. But as long as someone will do it cheaper and like crap. The trucking companies dont care as long as they roll down the road and the cheap junk mechanic make the rates go down for everyone.
Sadly, I see that in the automotive repair shops at the dealer level. They're hiring bodies to fuck up cars and then have you come back to spend more money to fix your vehicle, after the fuck up the with the under experienced techs are doing,(not you sir) it can also cause liability issues when improper repairs are not done right causing injury or death, especially with vehicles. A legal rip off that state attorney generals need to look into these shady business practices with these auto/truck repair shops. It is crazy...
Great video, good luck in your future..
I hear ya, I'm not wrenching anymore, looking to get into something else
I tried to get into the industry but nobody was very willing to give me a chance, so for now I went back to welding. Every bit as bad and has been that way the last 40 years. Shit rolls downhill
I hear ya Brother, and I laugh when I hear the news talk about how the trades are making all the money and it's not true
To guys looking to get into the field or even for the guys that have been in for a while. Get into fleet!
Less stress, usually better pay, better benefits, union.
Check your municipalities, garbage companies, phone companies, utility companies, school bus companies. Don’t go to dealers or independent shops. Not saying there isn’t exceptions. I make 46 an hour as a fleet tech
I don't know where you are located but here in PA and NJ you will never make anywhere near $46hr, most will top out around $30 unless you specialize or been there 15 to 20 years
@@danhewitt5109 im in NJ brother. Wouldn’t bullshit, just trying to help out guys that are fed up. I was at a small independent shop for years. Just trying to shine some light into some companies that most people wouldn’t really think of
@@danhewitt5109 depending where in PA/NJ your located I may have a couple of companies to look at if your interested. I spent a while looking for a place that pays well. But I found it. Give me your email and I can try to help brother
@@meorge9359 I glad you doing well, most guys aren't, I'm in Pa we have this crap called The Railroad Act which some companies are able to get out of paying overtime, just straight time. Fleet around me is paying $17 to $24 and the ones that offer most base it off a 60 hour work week. Just doesn't seem worth it to me
@@danhewitt5109 where in PA you located ?
Old timers in Florida are refusing to ask for more than $28 an hour and it’s holding everyone else’s wages back
Dude, I made that much year one in HVAC. It's such a shame they won't pay mechanic, and you guys get treated like sh**.
Same as women in the work force. They drag everyone's wages down.
Its all about $ Americans make choices based off money greed just destroys families and companies i know a dude who makes alot has three vehicles and a home just a janitor.
I have no problem with people making money, if you have a skill set, but higher skill set should be paid higher, a mechanic needs to be trained, knowledgeable, and have a ton of tools more than more other trades, but their get paid a few dollars more then fast food in some cases, and companies are asking where are all the mechanics, really!
Thanks for the insight Dan.
what is this video about?
thats why when i finish diesel mechanic school i will work on off road equipment theres more money and pace of the work is slower nobody wants to work heavy equipment cuz nobody likes electrical and hydraulics
@@johnvillanueva1240 I wish you the best, hope it works out for ya