Agreed, but so has the need for them. I was taught how to test and repair many parts, say for instance a starter, now you can buy it for 60 bux versus 120 worth of labor to repair it.
Nowadays it’s not cost or time efficient to repair or R&R parts, it makes more sense both economically and time wise to simply replace, nothing at all wrong with that.
ErinCM TheMC about 2 years ago I was in college hating life and I saw a Garbage company needed a technician so I applied cause I always knew I wanted to be in the trades I’ve built motorcycles with my father and uncle since I could remember so I had “mechanical experience” I started off as strictly a PM Tech (preventative maintenance) and then I got certified for hydraulics and CNG systems and started learning on the job they took a chance on me and I made the best out of it and kept learning and evolving as a mechanic
I got my start in sanitation and now I do sewer trucks/street sweepers. I will never go back to “normal vehicles.” Our worlds are far too “essential.” Lol
I loved this video I really want to do something that I can feel proud of. I'm a restaurant manager hate my job. There is never a sense of feeling like you finished a job because they always want numbers better and it never enough. When I fix a car I feel like I finished something and it actual feels like I accomplished something. I appreciate you guys being honest for instant about for instants the holiday hours ect. Thanks guys!
I just turned 30 and have been selling parts for almost 10 years. I spent most of that time wishing I would’ve become a technician. This just made me realize it’s time to make that change.
How is it coming are you working as a tech now? I’m almost 40 I’ve graduated from a tech institute 20 years ago and quit my mechanic job in my second year
Thanks for the support, switching over from hospitality/sales industry and its a little scary, mostly exciting and yall definitely helped my planning process.
Thanks for the video, guys! This was great to hear as someone who is in his late 20's and making a career change from the financial field into the automotive field.
@ENTHUSIASTICFIFAFAN - Now, THAT'S the ticket! I was at my best workin' in that type of system! I always lost my shirt screwin' with flat rate. Folks that start out that way probably have a better chance dealin' with flat rate than somebody like myself that worked in a different system startin' out.
@@zrafferty i agree if labor time is fair. But at current system, dealership and manufacturer constantly fucks mechanics by reducing the labor time. I've seen, for example, Chevy timing actuator warranty time gets reduced from 12 to 9 and so on because the manufacturer found some techs work faster than the others. I mean why penalize (by reducing labor time) mechanics who can work faster rather than award them? I personally believe the current flat rate system is designed to benefit manufacturers and dealerships while gauging mechanics with unrealistic warranty time to beat the hours in time.
Thanks for all three of your insights on the career. I’ve had a lot of people tell me NOT to be a mechanic but I feel so driven to do it anyway. This video was a push in the right direction! Thanks.
im in a career high school learning the automotive trade and i can say this channel has help me out a lot in my tool buying and keeping a positive attitude when i struggle in class and i will never regret going to apollo career center here in ohio also happy new years
Flat rate has its ups and downs. I switched to a shop that pays hourly and it's nice knowing that I will bring home a full check every week, regardless of the available work. I hated how the dealer screwed the techs on warranty diag times!
What were the pros/cons of making that switch? Was the hourly less in order to get that guaranteed hourly rate? And how did you find the hourly shop you transitioned to? Thanks.
@@TheEMC99 I have yet to see a con. I make $2/hr less than I made on flag time, but overtime makes up for that and still puts me ahead paycheck wise. Everything over 40 hrs/ week is time and a half pay. BS is easier to deal with when getting paid hourly. I was offered this job through a referral by the service manager I had worked with at a different company in the past. Sorry for the months long delay, just now got a notification on this post. Best of luck in your journey!
Worked in a shop where we went through over 20 "mechanics" cause they were there to make money...some came with almost no tools...some had tools and no experience...some "master techs" showed up expecting $1000/week guaranteed🤣...none lasted...I survived on wheel alignments & front end work while the "master techs demanded all the big jobs...when jobs got scarce, they either wanted my work or quit...so I ended up working alone and getting it all🥳
@@TheEMC99 Here in Central Texas it is...you're just just not gonna make that on a consistent basis cause there are so many small shops and dealerships because of the military
I retired about 3yrs after being in law enforcement for 22yrs. I went to school for a year to become a Harley tech. Yea...I took a big pay cut but my heart was no longer in the job and like your cohort next to you, I dreaded going to work daily. I'd seen enough death and misery after 22yrs. And after serving 6yrs in Homicide I no longer enjoyed the job so I bailed. Leaving the job and becoming an HD tech was always something I'd wanted to do. So I did it. I was 50 when I made the change. I've got a pretty good retirement package with healthcare etc and I don't have to work every single day if I don't want to but I do cuz I love it. It was a great choice for me and there's no looking back.
I did 3 years of collage and work place as a agricultural mechanic till i was 19 then went to a independent car garage as a technician for 5 years and now I’m moving up to a Ford main dealership as a technician, got to keep pushing yourself
I changed out from government and program management work and associated politics to turning a wrench again. I'm the happiest I've been in a decade. My works matters again!!
I really like these type of videos tools are great and all but the professional insights are priceless for a green guy like me. Thanks for everything in 2019 my man. 2020 is going to be a monster year for you man
I’ve been an auto body tech (fixing damaged cars) for 3 years now and I saw a help wanted sign in the auto repair shop where I get all my vehicles fixed and have been talking back and forth with the guy that owns the shop that I’ve known since I was 16 (I’m 29 now) at first I was discouraged because everything I looked up was crapping all over being a mechanic but after watching this I’m so ready to be what I’ve always wanted to be and what I’m passionate about. Thank you for the video good sir(s)
Hey I started auto school at 49 by the time I graduated 51 but I also knew how to economize my $, so I started purchasing tools during school at the end I had a cart full. I bought tools knowing that I was going to start as a oil change tech to be ready to work. If I borrowed a particular tool 3x I just bought my own, this being said one outgrows the toolcart quick eventually had to buy a medium size toolbox.
35yrs here in heavy equipment and still going, this ant for everyone it’s a tough field but get the experience then you can name your price, we are dying out so listen and learn
As a dealership mechanic there’s new things every day. New vehicles every year, new recalls, new technologies. Our dealership just started a new thing a month ago where we have to film video inspections for our customers, not new to the industry but new to me. You gotta be prepared to evolve and adapt daily but if you have the passion for the career and stay excited everything will work out. I’m not even flat rate yet and I pull engines, so clutch jobs, suspension, brakes, tires and much more. It’s rough at times but I’m happy and learning a lot.
54 here in Western Ma. Completely self learning, been doing side job repairs for a few years, and making the plunge towards turning wrenches and diag only. Seriously hating on my reg job even though it has always revolved around being able to keep my car(s) going, myself, as a DIY. Word of mouth has kept me busy enough to keep buying tools and working out of my trunk. (Huge CVPI trunk) Once is warms up a bit, I'll be doing a tool "trunk" review LOL
The industry may not be ready to get rid of flat rate, but I sure am! It's not that I don't make good money, but it's the stress of "am I going to have enough hours this week?" and it largely has nothing to do with me or my work. That said, "hybrid" pay also sucks. You make enough hourly to kinda make up for a slow week, but not really, or you have a really busy week, but don't really feel like you got paid enough for it. I'd rather just be hourly, at my benefit rate, and only have to worry about getting work done than to worry about work *and* whether or not I'm going to get paid fairly and correctly.
Yo this is great! I’m glad I found this! I’ve always been fascinated with car mechanics (age 30 now) and this inspires me more to go with my interests in it and see where it may lead me. Thanks fellas
my friends were 11 and they already knew a lot about cars. im 15 and dont know anything about cars but i love cars and i thought its late to get into cars cuz one of my friends is like half a mechanic. and now i watch 30 year olds are getting into cars and i think i have a chance
Great video. I worked in a bodyshop for 10 years when I lived in Alaska. I started in 2004 at $15.00 an hour and worked my way up $18.00 then to commission at $26.00 to top bodyman/ back up painter at $28.00 on commission. I started kinda late by getting into a bodyshop, for that there's only two shops in my home town lol so had to wait for someone moving, retiring and so on. I totally agree about change and what you need to know. I seen it with sensor's, camera's, hybrids, and even the refinish technical part has changed. I moved away from home to California and worked in a well known bodyshop. Besides the technical part of change or getting into a mechanical or autobody side you need to find out where you belong. A mom and pop shop, dealership, or a big name type shop. I like the mom and pop shop or smaller type body shops. I left my career in 2015 tell I moved and now living in Riverside California now somewhat back doing body work on now commercial type trucks. We build dump truck beds, flate beds and others plus repair and fiberglass work and learned how to spray single stage Imron. Even this is a little different. I see all the tooling the mechanics need to buy, all the up to date with schooling compared to body techs.
Going to Cirrus Aircraft Maintenance training soon, excited to learn more about them. Great to find companies to work for that are willing to send you to training.
Diesel. Having a sound automotive profile doesn't hurt, but diesel is the way to go. I do buses and surprisingly it is less work and better pay than the dealer life was. I changed at 24, best choice I ever made.
Went to an Aviation High School in Detroit, I flew and worked on aircraft while there. After 9/11 worked in automotive for five years. While attending community college during many years I studied welding, criminal justice, but I earned 3 Degrees... auto, diesel and aviation mechanics. Love automotive but hate commission. Been in aviation since 2006 starting at a regional airline but now working at a major airline. At major airlines or a cargo outfit you can earn over $50 an hour. Diesel is my backup plan or trains if I get laid off. I have my CLD, many Ase's auto, diesel, X1, service consultant, parts specialist but I have failed these test many of times before I passed, I'm more of a hands on person though and I can pass many of other test but these test suck in my opinion and these test don't make you a hands on technician although some techs master both test and hands on. In aviation mechanics my license never expires like ase's do in 5 yrs. I volunteered for free as a biomedical technician to learn that trade for 6 months as well. As a tech. you have to be versatile; automotive, diesel, aircraft, plant maintenance, fleet technician, amusement park tech., trains, welder, biomedical technician, farm equipment tech... ect. You have to think outside the box. In my opinion auto techs are well under paid and should be paid hourly and about the same as an aviation technician due to their investment. With my matco triple bay and all the other tools I have for automotive, the investment isn't that great. Coming from Detroit after 9/11 the economy shut down. Anyone working commission suffered wether automotive, furniture sales workers. restaurants, or any commission based jobs in general. I dislike commission because when the economy takes a hit you suffer regardless of all your hard work or experience. You will be surprised how your talents and good attitude can place you into a high paying job due to your experience, having a associate's degree, or working in a different field not related to your degree because you have applied yourself. The ultimate goal is to set yourself up for the future and to have a fun career where it dosen't feel like work, the company has a 401k and contributes to it. My snapon and matco toolboxes sit at home as a hobby for my cars/motorcycles. My other toolboxes sit at the airport where I performed maintenance and taxi aircraft. I have many hobbies which include swimming, skateboarding, and boxing and hopefully soon para-motoring. The goal is to get paid what your are worth so you can enjoy a life outside of work and develop a happy medium. Money/pay doesn't always mean happiness as well/ I tell my wife my other backup plan is being a Wendy's manager later on in age/life; this is because I budget. In life you have to keep taking chances and pick yourself up when you fall down, many of times this has happened to me. College is not always the #1 answer all the time too, it can be a business where they rob you if you let them. You have to take advantage of opportunities and stay motivated and (think outside the box)! Born in Detroit at one point being poor living with my dad in a house with no heat, electricity, or water I never gave up and had determination. Nowadays I see so many young kids that are lazy, don't want to work, and expect things to be handed to them. In life if you put forth effort you will be surprised what comes along or what company, ceo, or business man or woman says I would like you to come work for us. Keep your head up and stay motivated, peace✌
Any new techs thinking about going to a flat-rate shop make sure they have a guaranteed amount hours you get no matter how much hours you bill. Youre gonna have bad weeks. So it's nice to know that you'll always have at least 35-40 hours.
I just bought a snap on classic series roll cab the other day after years of using a small mastercraft box haha. I work at a fence post mill making pretty decent money but want to transition to automotive mechanic . I’ve worked on trucks and cars my whole life and have never taken a vehicle to a shop but instead just diagnosed them myself . I’m considering starting a apprenticeship with one of the local dealerships now
First I wish you and your families had happy and joyful Christmas and new year! I am almost 50. I had started working on cars and farm equipment at the age of 8 years old. The one thing that I will say to anyone. Always be TRUE TO YOURSELF! Dont let anyone control who or what you want to be. For me in short I was a SINGLE father of two. I had done what everyone else wanted me to be fixed computers built houses shoveled crap not mediforicly speaking lol. House wiring security then for the last 7 years I worked for the justice department. I had Also had several side jobs fixing cars and all sorts of other side jobs. Building my tools and keeping me from going crazy. I had to have surgery on my spinal cord C5 and C6 again a life change. I have gone back to my roots working on cars. I am wanting to take my life experiences and work on a program in Canada to help get people into a industry. I am still working on cars. I was trying to keep it simple. However like I said before you have to keep it true to you.
Current work at Costco Tire Center...I want to become a full tech to learn more systems and skills to fully repair cars. But I’m currently making $26 hourly to change tires. This is nice cause there is still growth financially and the money gives me cash to have fun working on personal projects. It’s tough to make the switch with pay cut cause lots of negative reviews about pay and overall outlook of the job. Can’t decided if it’s worth it.
Yea but Costco doesn’t pay the Tire Center employees based off auto industry... they pay just like regular retail employees, starting is 15hr topped out is 27.50 supervisor make 28.50 and manger is salary, my manger makes 77k with bonus. Also work Sunday and get time and half. I have done it for awhile now but I want to grow my knowledge of cars but it’s a pretty big pay cut to get foot in door just don’t know if it is worth it nowadays
@@austinholbrook478 so u have little no how and get 26 a hour bull shit. Not hateing just know what the industry pays. And a store manager might make 25 a hour. With bonus not flat pay
No matter when you change careers and want to wrench you have to be mechanically inclined. I have seen lots of guys that just don't "have it" and they don't last. This is not hanging drywall and some guys don't get that, they think I changed my brakes so I can work on cars lol Happy New Year
What a huge difference there is between EU and US. Holy shit. Here 30 year old guys haven't even started their lives as self sufficient adults....and in the US they have a house,cars,wife and kids and no debts. WOW.
Super video. Thx guys Much success to yall. Keep up the videos. I'll look for more details about that technology stuff. What should I go dig in? Late 30s too
Thanks for the info guys, like the channel a lot, good useful info. So here is my two cents. I think the mechanic field is a great field to get into, i am a diagnostic technician, worked for BMW for 6 years, went to school, then left to do Diesel and now i am a shop manager for transplantation department at a fruit processing plant, i deal with forklifts, diesel trucks, automotive and hydraulic equipment, i guess my point is, you have to keep an open mind and know that your skill can be very useful if for any reason flat rate dose not work. Skill people are harder and harder to find now, but it is very well paid.
Heavy duty diesel technician is a great way to go, most customers do not care what it costs to fix it. Because companies and owner operators view their equipment as an asset, unlike the automotive field where owners treat their cars like disposable appliances. (and then wonder why their car is a piece of shit in 6 or 7 years, and then blame the OEM) The pay on average is much higher than an automotive tech, plus more tools and I love tools. The field is so diverse, heavy equipment, stationary equipment, trains, ships, generators, fire pumps, fire trucks, on highway trucks, reefers, fabrication, hybrid or coming soon fully electric buses, ag equipment and so on. You can be a top tier diagnostician, or a hammer mechanic, or anywhere in-between, whatever suits you best. I know a lot of journeyman technicians who in the rust belt makes anywhere from 35-42 bucks an hour. If you decide to be a contractor for the military overseas you can make up to your first 100k tax free..
One of the biggest things that will end your career as an auto tech. before it even gets started is mistakes that cost the company money. Like Captain Ron not tightening an oil filter and blowing up a brand new car's first oil change. Rustbelt he is lucky you saved his job.
What would you recommend for younger people to get into the industry? I’m in college as a finance major and I have always wanted to be better with cars and possibly one day have a project car.
You have to have a want or a passion for the career. Going to school for it for a “backup plan” would not be recommended and VERY costly. If one has the financial capability, the drive to succeed AND a passion for automobiles, then yes, the investment into your education will be worth it. It will propel you further and faster in your career, give you more confidence and help you make more money faster.
Worker on tractors and trailers is where the money is at! You can get an entry level job at a place like Penske making at least $20 an hour. Working on cars don’t pay shit unless your an ase certified master mechanic.
One thing I've learnt as a automotive technician is afew facts. Number 1 you get paid for your skills. Number 2 this will piss you off. number 3 people pass on there crap and mistakes because you have no idea what you're dealing with till you open a can of worms. Number 4 you just want to push it off a cliff. number 5 learn from it and never see it again and if someone else has the same car just say no sorry I've pass. The next thing is finding good information, also you need the right tooling.
Thank you for the great advices. I am 39 years old, and I been looking at several automotive programs at my local community college. I would be 41 by the time I graduate. Do you think I am too old to starting a career as an automotive tech at 41? And what things do I need to keep in mind and what challenges or obstacles will I encounter when working at a shop or dealership? Thank you,
I’m almost 40, when I graduated from a tech auto institute I was 20 but didn’t have the patience nor common knowledge that I have now, thinking of going back to doing it again because I love it
I worked on Chrysler products for over 15 years and now work for state government. Nothing better than having a guaranteed job with full benefits. I feel sorry for y’all getting involved in such a crappy career. I would never go back to any dealership to work if anything I would open my own shop up.
The dealership I’m looking to work at is having second thoughts on their employee. Would that guarantee me a spot? I just had an interview today and the person in charge told me that they have 2 lube techs already but they might let one go because they’re not a good fit. He said he’ll give me a call back within a week. My interview was also really quick. 5min basically. What are the chances of hearing back?
Bite the bullet and get off the tools you will always earn more money supervising or managing a shop. The pays woeful you have to deal with people not returning or nicking your tools. I don't miss it at all. And i did love the work i was doin but its hard to stay hungry or driven when if you want to make more money is to leave the floor and start pushing a pencil.
Basically the cars get smarter and the customers get so so much more stupid its unreal. I went into the army at 20 working on track vehicles. Sometimes about working on vehicles is calming. Well on my own stuff it is. Not when a service writer lies to a customer that a engine rebuild will be done at the end of the day. Yeah you wanna be a good tech you're going to have to spend a shit done of money on tools. Especially flare rate you wanna be quick you need the tools to make you quick. I bought a 70 pair of pliers just to shave 2min off a car. That time adds up
Here in California basically all flat rate is hybrid. You must be payed at least double minimum wage for every hour that you work. Once you hit 100% you will be getting pure commission on top of that minimum. There are also many people making an hourly rate and then after a certain % they make commission.
I work hourly but it's not as easy as you would think because you have a daily productivity quota of 90% on a fleet of over 500 vehicles & ambulances for a non-profit hospital so we're not allowed to show over 100% productivity because that would be profitable and the hospital could lose its tax exemption status...but when you have cars coming in non-stop, you have to stop working on one vehicle to diagnose/repair another, and another, and another...the amount of paperwork to fill out daily is ridiculous, ordering parts, transporting vehicles, off-site repairs, etc...there are hourly jobs out there, but do your homework before you take those jobs...especially if you're used to working flag hours!!!
I will be retiring from the military soon and I've been an electronics technician for about fifteen years and I want to go into a trade (GI Bill will pay for it) and I'm considering this or HVAC. I know there are a lot of high paying jobs out there dealing with the things I currently work on but they all require traveling and being away from home for long a long duration of time. Thats something I do not want to do. Currently 40 and hoping that isn't too old or on heard of in your field. Any insight would be appreciated.
@Don Quixote I'm still doing it. Work on radars, radios (VHF, HF, UHF, SATCOM) Nav systems and GPS, depth sounders, MARFLIR cameras, NVGs, tactical aids to navigation systems,, lots of things but those are the main ones I can think of.
Many of my scanners and tools will be in a museum when full electric rolls out....my books will be collector items for people on mars to look at ....lol....and my tool box will be used as a guest book counter
Should I go to my community colleges trade program ? It's $6,000 for automotive mechanic and I have some mechanical knowledge but not nearly enough to work In a shop. Im just confused where to start. I'm 28.
Well it’s never too late to start into the profession, I’ve shown that many times before. It really depends on your financial situation. If you can afford to do it, I would say definitely yes, it will be well worth it in the long run. You will jump forward much faster into your career, gain more confidence in your abilities and make more money earlier.
I'm 27...is it too late for me to go to my local community College to start automotive training? Please give me advice on if i should continue or look into another field
Flat rate is a scam. There are too many unknowns, too many variables and too many things that can go wrong to say "This job is worth 2.5 hours". It may not be a big problem in some parts of the country such as TX or AZ, but in NJ, 90% of your day as a mechanic will be spent drilling out broken bolts. The salty air around the shore, the brine they lay down during the winter and the constant rain for 4 months straight during the spring rusts everything. And one snapped bolt in the wrong place can turn a 1 hour job into a 4 hour job, easily. But you still only get paid for the 1 hour. Name me another trade in which the tradesman is expected to eat the cost of lost time... there is no other trade. Plumbers, masons, roofers, electricians, carpenters, painters, etc. are all paid by the hour. If a plumber opens up the subflooring and finds an unexpected problem, he isn't expected to fix the problem for free. That's why the customer is given an "estimate", not a price written in stone. In the worst case scenario, the company the plumber works for eats the cost by paying the plumber for his time, even if the customer isn't billed for that time. That is how almost every other trade works. It's also the trade where you're least able to absorb that cost because your hourly rate will be low compared to other tradesmen with comparable experience in their respective field. If you're a plumber making $26 an hour, you can afford to lose some paid time, but when you're a mechanic making $18 an hour, you're really struggling to keep your head above water. Furthermore, mechanics are expected to spend the most money on their tools. My first job was working as a general contractor doing roofing, siding, windows, drywall, and bathroom remodeling. Several trades, all rolled up into one. So I needed the tools for several trades and it was still a tiny fraction of what I spent on my tools as a mechanic. And, by the way, I worked for a very small LLC., so I bought some equipment such as scaffolding and an aluminum brake, etc. which companies would normally supply themselves. It was still a tiny fraction of the cost of my automotive tools. I only do side jobs now, so I've sold most of my tools and my professional toolbox. Right now, I only have a 46" Husky toolbox full of tools. There's about $35-$40,000 worth of tools in there, and it's a very modest tool set. I often have to turn down jobs because I don't have the tools to do it. The last two jobs I did, I had to buy specialty tools - a Honda crank bolt tool for a timing belt which cost $35 and the $22 Mitsubishi timing belt tensioner tool so I could replace the water pump. I spent a mechanic's annual salary on tools and still turn jobs away regularly because I lack to tools or have to purchase more tools just to get things done. The tools I need as a plumber cost me like two, maybe three weeks salary between all of the adjustable wrenches, basin wrenches, pex crimpers, saws, a flashlight, drills, various tubing cutters, snips, tape measures, levels, pipe wrenches, tongue and groove pliers, basket wrenches, multimeter, auger, etc. If you're considering becoming a mechanic; reconsider. It's a lot of fun to diagnose and repair cars, but there's no money in it. I only do it as a hobby now.
This hits so hard. I'm a Cad drafter I own F-bodys everyone in Alabama is an assholes when it come to me caring about my cars Ive had to 2500$ in tickets for and 200 extra for insurance while still have a clean driving record. No support you get fought ever step of the way. Only a a few finger I would recommended. rather fight you with a crow bar in the street cause the damn sun is too hot, or some bullshit. Cant grow cant live cant breath. Interviews are just like your videos they get hired like that. you get picked over a guy that has no shower smell like a lime plant. And talks just like about his lifted truck. just because the care about the stupid Alabama football game.
Alright so I wanna become a service tech really bad but im stressing over the cost of school, What do I need to become an apprentice and will I gain the knowledge i need through an apprenticeship?
@@RustbeltMechanic Will an apprenticeship hold the same value as school would? For example, if i want to move further into the career will i need to eventually go to school
If you want benefits, pay raises, a living wage really, go into another trade, mechanics work too hard for crap pay and zero benefits. Too many tools to buy unless you're going to be a borrow everything kind of guy. I know waiters, bartenders, and guys who have started in other trades that make more than 95% of all mechanics I've meet. Seriously, a friend of mine left the Automotive world for electrical apprenticeship and started with a higher training wage than he had as a 12 master tech.... The field needs to change. Dealerships are grossly profiting and always coming up with ways not to pay the people there doing the work. Manufacturers are part of the problem too. I remember doing a rear main seal in a 2016 Maxima under warranty and it paid less than dropping the oil pan, even though it required removing the oil pan as part of the published repair. So I get nothing for my extra 6 hours of work because that's "just how it works" or piston replacement on Toyotas, so the time it takes is 33 hours unless Toyota is paying for it, now it's 14 hours.... Sure, if I rush, do it again and again and install torqued fasteners with an impact.... Sure, only going to lose 4-6 hours on each... But "that's ok, you'll make it up on the next one" except my next one is the same thing.... Great, turn a 25-30 hour week, but I "only" did put in 50 hours time that week... If you want to make more just work around the clock 6 days a week....jap car companies are a joke with times, BMW actually figured out you lose your best techs by screwing them so warranty times are nearly the same as customer time. Do yourself a favor and look to a trade that you can bring a bag of tools to work, not a box, the pay is always better, benefits actually exist and there's not a manufacturer or shop owner trying to figure out how to screw you. If you can't own your own shop you'll be hungry.
I been an auto tech for 26 years left last year. Everything you said is absolutely correct. I worked for Toyota for 24 years and their warranty times have gone to basically Give it away. I moved to Kia cause Toyota dealer didn’t want to give me one dollar raise after a year. Kia Hyundai have an engine recall for several models. The engine remove and replace was around 8-9 hours depending on models and to be honest that was fair and good pay for those. Three months before I left they cut those hours to 5.5 to 6 hours. Hyundai and Kia lost a lot of techs. We are a small shop of 6 three of us left. Two of us included left the industry. One started his own shop. I live in California and before I left the pay was 28 an hour. After since minimum wage went up it changed to 30. Average living income in my area is around 60k my income was about 53k and with the wear and tear to my Body, bad healthcare insurance, buying my tools. And since it’s so hot here in the summer there is no air conditioning. So it’s not worth it. Best advice get into city jobs. Better pay better hours. Better incentives. I would not recommend this job to anyone. And dealerships and a lot of independent shop owners need to realize they have to pay and offer more to their mechanics because they are a dying trade.
@@RustbeltMechanic sorry brother i really dont have IG. Could u ask thru here? Edited. I saw ur rustbelt mechanic page on fb, ill message you thru there later today if thats ok
Use to be an automotive tech. Left it when tech started booming, happy I left. Make more money, work less, not sinking a small fortune into tools. Fact is the industry as a whole is dying. Cars need way less maintenance now than ever before. People also treat cars like a commodity not an investment. Major repair? Trade it in. Shops closing here all the time, even dealers are combining shops across their lines. I love wrenching but it's not a long term career for most people.
Way too many “parts changers” in this world. A true mechanic is a dying breed.
Not really we’re alive and well.
Agreed, but so has the need for them. I was taught how to test and repair many parts, say for instance a starter, now you can buy it for 60 bux versus 120 worth of labor to repair it.
One has to go where the money is, and it seems that there is little money in mechanics nowadays.
“True mechanic” is a dying breed because they cant get over the fact that changing a part is a more economical decision than rebuilding.
Nowadays it’s not cost or time efficient to repair or R&R parts, it makes more sense both economically and time wise to simply replace, nothing at all wrong with that.
I’m blessed to have gotten into the Heavy duty field young... I’m a diesel mechanic on sanitation trucks and I love it 👍🏻
How did you get into it without experience?
ErinCM TheMC about 2 years ago I was in college hating life and I saw a Garbage company needed a technician so I applied cause I always knew I wanted to be in the trades I’ve built motorcycles with my father and uncle since I could remember so I had “mechanical experience” I started off as strictly a PM Tech (preventative maintenance) and then I got certified for hydraulics and CNG systems and started learning on the job they took a chance on me and I made the best out of it and kept learning and evolving as a mechanic
Randy Talk thats sounds badass how much do you make an hr
Michael’s Mustang 5.0 38.75
I got my start in sanitation and now I do sewer trucks/street sweepers. I will never go back to “normal vehicles.” Our worlds are far too “essential.” Lol
I loved this video I really want to do something that I can feel proud of. I'm a restaurant manager hate my job. There is never a sense of feeling like you finished a job because they always want numbers better and it never enough. When I fix a car I feel like I finished something and it actual feels like I accomplished something. I appreciate you guys being honest for instant about for instants the holiday hours ect. Thanks guys!
Dude. Me to I am a gm at Dominos and make 70+ and hate it but like the money. Wish I could do the money sometime eals
Make the move.
Stay where you are, it's no picnic. You have to be half crazy to do this shit.
I just turned 30 and have been selling parts for almost 10 years. I spent most of that time wishing I would’ve become a technician. This just made me realize it’s time to make that change.
I’m 24 working at a parts store. I’m thinking about becoming an auto tech too.
Heading to LA in March for Volt training. I’m 41, never to old to learn new things.
How is it coming are you working as a tech now? I’m almost 40 I’ve graduated from a tech institute 20 years ago and quit my mechanic job in my second year
@@carlosfuentes2485 I have been working as a GM tech for almost 21 years now. Started out as a level 1 BMW tech. BMW just wasn’t for me.
solid work,
Thanks for the support, switching over from hospitality/sales industry and its a little scary, mostly exciting and yall definitely helped my planning process.
Thanks for the video, guys! This was great to hear as someone who is in his late 20's and making a career change from the financial field into the automotive field.
Get rid of flat rate and add hourly ± commission system together so it motivates techs to work hard.
@ENTHUSIASTICFIFAFAN
- Now, THAT'S the ticket! I was at my best workin' in that type of system! I always lost my shirt screwin' with flat rate. Folks that start out that way probably have a better chance dealin' with flat rate than somebody like myself that worked in a different system startin' out.
Flat rate from where I am means you get paid the same via job no matter length of time making you work harder and faster
@@zrafferty i agree if labor time is fair. But at current system, dealership and manufacturer constantly fucks mechanics by reducing the labor time. I've seen, for example, Chevy timing actuator warranty time gets reduced from 12 to 9 and so on because the manufacturer found some techs work faster than the others. I mean why penalize (by reducing labor time) mechanics who can work faster rather than award them?
I personally believe the current flat rate system is designed to benefit manufacturers and dealerships while gauging mechanics with unrealistic warranty time to beat the hours in time.
@@ENTHUSIASTICFIFAFAN really depends but I see what your coming from
thats what i have. at 40 hours ,50 ,55, 60 grant me bonus
Thanks for all three of your insights on the career. I’ve had a lot of people tell me NOT to be a mechanic but I feel so driven to do it anyway. This video was a push in the right direction! Thanks.
im in a career high school learning the automotive trade and i can say this channel has help me out a lot in my tool buying and keeping a positive attitude when i struggle in class and i will never regret going to apollo career center here in ohio also happy new years
Flat rate has its ups and downs. I switched to a shop that pays hourly and it's nice knowing that I will bring home a full check every week, regardless of the available work. I hated how the dealer screwed the techs on warranty diag times!
What were the pros/cons of making that switch? Was the hourly less in order to get that guaranteed hourly rate? And how did you find the hourly shop you transitioned to? Thanks.
@@TheEMC99 I have yet to see a con. I make $2/hr less than I made on flag time, but overtime makes up for that and still puts me ahead paycheck wise. Everything over 40 hrs/ week is time and a half pay. BS is easier to deal with when getting paid hourly. I was offered this job through a referral by the service manager I had worked with at a different company in the past. Sorry for the months long delay, just now got a notification on this post. Best of luck in your journey!
Worked in a shop where we went through over 20 "mechanics" cause they were there to make money...some came with almost no tools...some had tools and no experience...some "master techs" showed up expecting $1000/week guaranteed🤣...none lasted...I survived on wheel alignments & front end work while the "master techs demanded all the big jobs...when jobs got scarce, they either wanted my work or quit...so I ended up working alone and getting it all🥳
Now that's smart always keep to yourself and let those other meat heads show themselves out.
Where do you live? Is $1000/week that outlandish? That's kind of standard here in South Florida as far as I can tell.
@@TheEMC99 Here in Central Texas it is...you're just just not gonna make that on a consistent basis cause there are so many small shops and dealerships because of the military
I retired about 3yrs after being in law enforcement for 22yrs. I went to school for a year to become a Harley tech. Yea...I took a big pay cut but my heart was no longer in the job and like your cohort next to you, I dreaded going to work daily. I'd seen enough death and misery after 22yrs. And after serving 6yrs in Homicide I no longer enjoyed the job so I bailed. Leaving the job and becoming an HD tech was always something I'd wanted to do. So I did it. I was 50 when I made the change. I've got a pretty good retirement package with healthcare etc and I don't have to work every single day if I don't want to but I do cuz I love it. It was a great choice for me and there's no looking back.
Awesome story! Glad to see people making the leap towards being happy🤘🏻
I did 3 years of collage and work place as a agricultural mechanic till i was 19 then went to a independent car garage as a technician for 5 years and now I’m moving up to a Ford main dealership as a technician, got to keep pushing yourself
I changed out from government and program management work and associated politics to turning a wrench again. I'm the happiest I've been in a decade. My works matters again!!
I really like these type of videos tools are great and all but the professional insights are priceless for a green guy like me. Thanks for everything in 2019 my man. 2020 is going to be a monster year for you man
I’ve been an auto body tech (fixing damaged cars) for 3 years now and I saw a help wanted sign in the auto repair shop where I get all my vehicles fixed and have been talking back and forth with the guy that owns the shop that I’ve known since I was 16 (I’m 29 now) at first I was discouraged because everything I looked up was crapping all over being a mechanic but after watching this I’m so ready to be what I’ve always wanted to be and what I’m passionate about. Thank you for the video good sir(s)
Hey I started auto school at 49 by the time I graduated 51 but I also knew how to economize my $, so I started purchasing tools during school at the end I had a cart full. I bought tools knowing that I was going to start as a oil change tech to be ready to work. If I borrowed a particular tool 3x I just bought my own, this being said one outgrows the toolcart quick eventually had to buy a medium size toolbox.
That’s how you do it man!
Kyle, congrats on 30,000 subscribers! That's awesome. It was kinda cool to hear everybody's pre tech background. And the blooper reel was tops.
Lmao! I’m glad that part was enjoyed. I’m gonna have to start keeping those for a mo they blooper reel
35yrs here in heavy equipment and still going, this ant for everyone it’s a tough field but get the experience then you can name your price, we are dying out so listen and learn
As a dealership mechanic there’s new things every day. New vehicles every year, new recalls, new technologies. Our dealership just started a new thing a month ago where we have to film video inspections for our customers, not new to the industry but new to me. You gotta be prepared to evolve and adapt daily but if you have the passion for the career and stay excited everything will work out. I’m not even flat rate yet and I pull engines, so clutch jobs, suspension, brakes, tires and much more. It’s rough at times but I’m happy and learning a lot.
Save while your hourly. Save, save, save.
54 here in Western Ma. Completely self learning, been doing side job repairs for a few years, and making the plunge towards turning wrenches and diag only. Seriously hating on my reg job even though it has always revolved around being able to keep my car(s) going, myself, as a DIY. Word of mouth has kept me busy enough to keep buying tools and working out of my trunk. (Huge CVPI trunk) Once is warms up a bit, I'll be doing a tool "trunk" review LOL
Love being a tech. Never get the appreciation you deserve though. Work so hard. The higher ups get the credits. Pfft!
The industry may not be ready to get rid of flat rate, but I sure am! It's not that I don't make good money, but it's the stress of "am I going to have enough hours this week?" and it largely has nothing to do with me or my work.
That said, "hybrid" pay also sucks. You make enough hourly to kinda make up for a slow week, but not really, or you have a really busy week, but don't really feel like you got paid enough for it.
I'd rather just be hourly, at my benefit rate, and only have to worry about getting work done than to worry about work *and* whether or not I'm going to get paid fairly and correctly.
Yo this is great! I’m glad I found this! I’ve always been fascinated with car mechanics (age 30 now) and this inspires me more to go with my interests in it and see where it may lead me. Thanks fellas
I look thrilled in the thumbnail haha
🤣🤣🤣🤣
The outtakes were better
@@RustbeltMechanic agreed.
my friends were 11 and they already knew a lot about cars. im 15 and dont know anything about cars but i love cars and i thought its late to get into cars cuz one of my friends is like half a mechanic. and now i watch 30 year olds are getting into cars and i think i have a chance
I started at 18 and now im almost 22 and I've learned a lot. You'll never stop learning, so its never too late to start!
I love working on cars I’m 42 and I have been doing it for 10 months
Great video. I worked in a bodyshop for 10 years when I lived in Alaska. I started in 2004 at $15.00 an hour and worked my way up $18.00 then to commission at $26.00 to top bodyman/ back up painter at $28.00 on commission. I started kinda late by getting into a bodyshop, for that there's only two shops in my home town lol so had to wait for someone moving, retiring and so on. I totally agree about change and what you need to know. I seen it with sensor's, camera's, hybrids, and even the refinish technical part has changed. I moved away from home to California and worked in a well known bodyshop. Besides the technical part of change or getting into a mechanical or autobody side you need to find out where you belong. A mom and pop shop, dealership, or a big name type shop. I like the mom and pop shop or smaller type body shops. I left my career in 2015 tell I moved and now living in Riverside California now somewhat back doing body work on now commercial type trucks. We build dump truck beds, flate beds and others plus repair and fiberglass work and learned how to spray single stage Imron. Even this is a little different. I see all the tooling the mechanics need to buy, all the up to date with schooling compared to body techs.
Going to Cirrus Aircraft Maintenance training soon, excited to learn more about them. Great to find companies to work for that are willing to send you to training.
Happy new year Rustbelt, captain Ron and McBake 😀 thanks for another video. I enjoy the content.
Diesel. Having a sound automotive profile doesn't hurt, but diesel is the way to go. I do buses and surprisingly it is less work and better pay than the dealer life was. I changed at 24, best choice I ever made.
Happy New Years guys..
All the best fellas Happy Newyear
Went to an Aviation High School in Detroit, I flew and worked on aircraft while there. After 9/11 worked in automotive for five years. While attending community college during many years I studied welding, criminal justice, but I earned 3 Degrees... auto, diesel and aviation mechanics. Love automotive but hate commission. Been in aviation since 2006 starting at a regional airline but now working at a major airline. At major airlines or a cargo outfit you can earn over $50 an hour. Diesel is my backup plan or trains if I get laid off. I have my CLD, many Ase's auto, diesel, X1, service consultant, parts specialist but I have failed these test many of times before I passed, I'm more of a hands on person though and I can pass many of other test but these test suck in my opinion and these test don't make you a hands on technician although some techs master both test and hands on. In aviation mechanics my license never expires like ase's do in 5 yrs. I volunteered for free as a biomedical technician to learn that trade for 6 months as well. As a tech. you have to be versatile; automotive, diesel, aircraft, plant maintenance, fleet technician, amusement park tech., trains, welder, biomedical technician, farm equipment tech... ect. You have to think outside the box. In my opinion auto techs are well under paid and should be paid hourly and about the same as an aviation technician due to their investment. With my matco triple bay and all the other tools I have for automotive, the investment isn't that great. Coming from Detroit after 9/11 the economy shut down. Anyone working commission suffered wether automotive, furniture sales workers. restaurants, or any commission based jobs in general. I dislike commission because when the economy takes a hit you suffer regardless of all your hard work or experience. You will be surprised how your talents and good attitude can place you into a high paying job due to your experience, having a associate's degree, or working in a different field not related to your degree because you have applied yourself. The ultimate goal is to set yourself up for the future and to have a fun career where it dosen't feel like work, the company has a 401k and contributes to it. My snapon and matco toolboxes sit at home as a hobby for my cars/motorcycles. My other toolboxes sit at the airport where I performed maintenance and taxi aircraft. I have many hobbies which include swimming, skateboarding, and boxing and hopefully soon para-motoring. The goal is to get paid what your are worth so you can enjoy a life outside of work and develop a happy medium. Money/pay doesn't always mean happiness as well/ I tell my wife my other backup plan is being a Wendy's manager later on in age/life; this is because I budget. In life you have to keep taking chances and pick yourself up when you fall down, many of times this has happened to me. College is not always the #1 answer all the time too, it can be a business where they rob you if you let them. You have to take advantage of opportunities and stay motivated and (think outside the box)! Born in Detroit at one point being poor living with my dad in a house with no heat, electricity, or water I never gave up and had determination. Nowadays I see so many young kids that are lazy, don't want to work, and expect things to be handed to them. In life if you put forth effort you will be surprised what comes along or what company, ceo, or business man or woman says I would like you to come work for us. Keep your head up and stay motivated, peace✌
Any new techs thinking about going to a flat-rate shop make sure they have a guaranteed amount hours you get no matter how much hours you bill. Youre gonna have bad weeks. So it's nice to know that you'll always have at least 35-40 hours.
I just bought a snap on classic series roll cab the other day after years of using a small mastercraft box haha. I work at a fence post mill making pretty decent money but want to transition to automotive mechanic . I’ve worked on trucks and cars my whole life and have never taken a vehicle to a shop but instead just diagnosed them myself . I’m considering starting a apprenticeship with one of the local dealerships now
First I wish you and your families had happy and joyful Christmas and new year!
I am almost 50. I had started working on cars and farm equipment at the age of 8 years old.
The one thing that I will say to anyone. Always be TRUE TO YOURSELF!
Dont let anyone control who or what you want to be.
For me in short I was a SINGLE father of two. I had done what everyone else wanted me to be fixed computers built houses shoveled crap not mediforicly speaking lol. House wiring security then for the last 7 years I worked for the justice department.
I had Also had several side jobs fixing cars and all sorts of other side jobs. Building my tools and keeping me from going crazy.
I had to have surgery on my spinal cord C5 and C6 again a life change. I have gone back to my roots working on cars.
I am wanting to take my life experiences and work on a program in Canada to help get people into a industry.
I am still working on cars.
I was trying to keep it simple. However like I said before you have to keep it true to you.
Congrats on 30K ! 🎉🎉🔥
I changed careers at 40 yrs old to be an auto tech, from an OTR truck driver, now working on 60 yrs old.
That’s awesome! My mentor did the exact same thing!
@@RustbeltMechanic I too was a CAP student for Chrysler
Current work at Costco Tire Center...I want to become a full tech to learn more systems and skills to fully repair cars. But I’m currently making $26 hourly to change tires. This is nice cause there is still growth financially and the money gives me cash to have fun working on personal projects. It’s tough to make the switch with pay cut cause lots of negative reviews about pay and overall outlook of the job. Can’t decided if it’s worth it.
Tip pay as a A tech in ny is 30 a hour
Smd. Tire jockeys get 12 bucks a hour
Yea but Costco doesn’t pay the Tire Center employees based off auto industry... they pay just like regular retail employees, starting is 15hr topped out is 27.50 supervisor make 28.50 and manger is salary, my manger makes 77k with bonus. Also work Sunday and get time and half. I have done it for awhile now but I want to grow my knowledge of cars but it’s a pretty big pay cut to get foot in door just don’t know if it is worth it nowadays
@@austinholbrook478 how old r u keep dreaming
@@austinholbrook478 so u have little no how and get 26 a hour bull shit. Not hateing just know what the industry pays. And a store manager might make 25 a hour. With bonus not flat pay
No matter when you change careers and want to wrench you have to be mechanically inclined. I have seen lots of guys that just don't "have it" and they don't last. This is not hanging drywall and some guys don't get that, they think I changed my brakes so I can work on cars lol Happy New Year
Joe Hearn yeah, you really have to be able to think critically and know how the systems of cars or trucks work together.
What a huge difference there is between EU and US. Holy shit. Here 30 year old guys haven't even started their lives as self sufficient adults....and in the US they have a house,cars,wife and kids and no debts. WOW.
Lmao no debts? The house is a loan the car is a loan credit card debts the US is land of debts.
Super video. Thx guys
Much success to yall. Keep up the videos. I'll look for more details about that technology stuff. What should I go dig in? Late 30s too
Thanks for the info guys, like the channel a lot, good useful info. So here is my two cents. I think the mechanic field is a great field to get into, i am a diagnostic technician, worked for BMW for 6 years, went to school, then left to do Diesel and now i am a shop manager for transplantation department at a fruit processing plant, i deal with forklifts, diesel trucks, automotive and hydraulic equipment, i guess my point is, you have to keep an open mind and know that your skill can be very useful if for any reason flat rate dose not work. Skill people are harder and harder to find now, but it is very well paid.
First you are a shop janitor, then a parts changer for a while, then you become the technician.
Hey could you guys talk about passing the ASE A1 for Engines??? I'm waiting on this!
Heavy duty diesel technician is a great way to go, most customers do not care what it costs to fix it. Because companies and owner operators view their equipment as an asset, unlike the automotive field where owners treat their cars like disposable appliances. (and then wonder why their car is a piece of shit in 6 or 7 years, and then blame the OEM) The pay on average is much higher than an automotive tech, plus more tools and I love tools. The field is so diverse, heavy equipment, stationary equipment, trains, ships, generators, fire pumps, fire trucks, on highway trucks, reefers, fabrication, hybrid or coming soon fully electric buses, ag equipment and so on. You can be a top tier diagnostician, or a hammer mechanic, or anywhere in-between, whatever suits you best. I know a lot of journeyman technicians who in the rust belt makes anywhere from 35-42 bucks an hour. If you decide to be a contractor for the military overseas you can make up to your first 100k tax free..
The world runs on diesel
One of the biggest things that will end your career as an auto tech. before it even gets started is mistakes that cost the company money. Like Captain Ron not tightening an oil filter and blowing up a brand new car's first oil change. Rustbelt he is lucky you saved his job.
Thank you sharing this great content.
This is an awesome video.
So I am 18 year old and I have not went to school for mechanics but I have been learning more about diagnostics any tips for getting an apprenticeship
Great video guys.
What would you recommend for younger people to get into the industry? I’m in college as a finance major and I have always wanted to be better with cars and possibly one day have a project car.
You have to have a want or a passion for the career. Going to school for it for a “backup plan” would not be recommended and VERY costly. If one has the financial capability, the drive to succeed AND a passion for automobiles, then yes, the investment into your education will be worth it. It will propel you further and faster in your career, give you more confidence and help you make more money faster.
Worker on tractors and trailers is where the money is at! You can get an entry level job at a place like Penske making at least $20 an hour. Working on cars don’t pay shit unless your an ase certified master mechanic.
Not really. I work 4 days a week and just cleared 70k... that’s with two weeks off that are unpaid. Oh and I love my job.
Excellent discussion.
I want to become a mechanic because I don't trust other people working on my car.
Baker is the King here. Tools will kill a mechanic, I spend at least a grand a week to keep on top of it.
One thing I've learnt as a automotive technician is afew facts. Number 1 you get paid for your skills. Number 2 this will piss you off.
number 3 people pass on there crap and mistakes because you have no idea what you're dealing with till you open a can of worms.
Number 4 you just want to push it off a cliff.
number 5 learn from it and never see it again and if someone else has the same car just say no sorry I've pass.
The next thing is finding good information, also you need the right tooling.
Thank you for the great advices. I am 39 years old, and I been looking at several automotive programs at my local community college. I would be 41 by the time I graduate.
Do you think I am too old to starting a career as an automotive tech at 41?
And what things do I need to keep in mind and what challenges or obstacles will I encounter when working at a shop or dealership?
Thank you,
I’m almost 40, when I graduated from a tech auto institute I was 20 but didn’t have the patience nor common knowledge that I have now, thinking of going back to doing it again because I love it
I worked on Chrysler products for over 15 years and now work for state government. Nothing better than having a guaranteed job with full benefits. I feel sorry for y’all getting involved in such a crappy career. I would never go back to any dealership to work if anything I would open my own shop up.
Don Quixote I was an equipment repair technician and then moved into the traffic signal department to be a traffic signal technician
The dealership I’m looking to work at is having second thoughts on their employee. Would that guarantee me a spot? I just had an interview today and the person in charge told me that they have 2 lube techs already but they might let one go because they’re not a good fit. He said he’ll give me a call back within a week. My interview was also really quick. 5min basically. What are the chances of hearing back?
You take the lead and call back on the application after a week. Don’t wait on them
Bite the bullet and get off the tools you will always earn more money supervising or managing a shop. The pays woeful you have to deal with people not returning or nicking your tools.
I don't miss it at all. And i did love the work i was doin but its hard to stay hungry or driven when if you want to make more money is to leave the floor and start pushing a pencil.
Basically the cars get smarter and the customers get so so much more stupid its unreal. I went into the army at 20 working on track vehicles. Sometimes about working on vehicles is calming. Well on my own stuff it is. Not when a service writer lies to a customer that a engine rebuild will be done at the end of the day. Yeah you wanna be a good tech you're going to have to spend a shit done of money on tools. Especially flare rate you wanna be quick you need the tools to make you quick. I bought a 70 pair of pliers just to shave 2min off a car. That time adds up
Great vid, fellas. Very informative. Assuming a guy had zero tools, how much would a new mechanic be spending?
You could probably spend 2-3 grand depending on where you buy tools. If you buy from snap on only your looking at 10 grand plus
@@nat2cold393 I've heard up to 50k in tools
I've been lucky I put 40hrs in already. In 2 days because I do any damn job that comes in don't care what it is. I average 15hrs per day flare rate
Here in California basically all flat rate is hybrid. You must be payed at least double minimum wage for every hour that you work. Once you hit 100% you will be getting pure commission on top of that minimum. There are also many people making an hourly rate and then after a certain % they make commission.
That is if you provide your own tools
Pmsl in Australia we do hourly rate but we still buy our own tools my self I spend $8k a year on tools just to keep up
I work hourly but it's not as easy as you would think because you have a daily productivity quota of 90% on a fleet of over 500 vehicles & ambulances for a non-profit hospital so we're not allowed to show over 100% productivity because that would be profitable and the hospital could lose its tax exemption status...but when you have cars coming in non-stop, you have to stop working on one vehicle to diagnose/repair another, and another, and another...the amount of paperwork to fill out daily is ridiculous, ordering parts, transporting vehicles, off-site repairs, etc...there are hourly jobs out there, but do your homework before you take those jobs...especially if you're used to working flag hours!!!
Hourly plus percentage of billed hours equals happy tech and employer
Awsome video guys
I’m sure they’re extremely generous with their flat rate times ! What could go wrong.
Damn thought Mcbake was like 19 lmao
watching this just makes me want go wrench
Happy new year 2019?
Thought i only realized that
I will be retiring from the military soon and I've been an electronics technician for about fifteen years and I want to go into a trade (GI Bill will pay for it) and I'm considering this or HVAC. I know there are a lot of high paying jobs out there dealing with the things I currently work on but they all require traveling and being away from home for long a long duration of time. Thats something I do not want to do. Currently 40 and hoping that isn't too old or on heard of in your field. Any insight would be appreciated.
@Don Quixote yep
@Don Quixote I'm still doing it. Work on radars, radios (VHF, HF, UHF, SATCOM) Nav systems and GPS, depth sounders, MARFLIR cameras, NVGs, tactical aids to navigation systems,, lots of things but those are the main ones I can think of.
Many of my scanners and tools will be in a museum when full electric rolls out....my books will be collector items for people on mars to look at ....lol....and my tool box will be used as a guest book counter
Should I go to my community colleges trade program ? It's $6,000 for automotive mechanic and I have some mechanical knowledge but not nearly enough to work In a shop. Im just confused where to start. I'm 28.
Well it’s never too late to start into the profession, I’ve shown that many times before. It really depends on your financial situation. If you can afford to do it, I would say definitely yes, it will be well worth it in the long run. You will jump forward much faster into your career, gain more confidence in your abilities and make more money earlier.
I'm 27...is it too late for me to go to my local community College to start automotive training? Please give me advice on if i should continue or look into another field
I started when I was 22 and Captain Ron started when he was 36... for what you have passion in, it’s never too late.
Piss poor planning prevents piss poor performance u love the candy coating they used xD
Flat rate is a scam. There are too many unknowns, too many variables and too many things that can go wrong to say "This job is worth 2.5 hours". It may not be a big problem in some parts of the country such as TX or AZ, but in NJ, 90% of your day as a mechanic will be spent drilling out broken bolts. The salty air around the shore, the brine they lay down during the winter and the constant rain for 4 months straight during the spring rusts everything. And one snapped bolt in the wrong place can turn a 1 hour job into a 4 hour job, easily. But you still only get paid for the 1 hour.
Name me another trade in which the tradesman is expected to eat the cost of lost time... there is no other trade. Plumbers, masons, roofers, electricians, carpenters, painters, etc. are all paid by the hour. If a plumber opens up the subflooring and finds an unexpected problem, he isn't expected to fix the problem for free. That's why the customer is given an "estimate", not a price written in stone. In the worst case scenario, the company the plumber works for eats the cost by paying the plumber for his time, even if the customer isn't billed for that time. That is how almost every other trade works.
It's also the trade where you're least able to absorb that cost because your hourly rate will be low compared to other tradesmen with comparable experience in their respective field. If you're a plumber making $26 an hour, you can afford to lose some paid time, but when you're a mechanic making $18 an hour, you're really struggling to keep your head above water.
Furthermore, mechanics are expected to spend the most money on their tools. My first job was working as a general contractor doing roofing, siding, windows, drywall, and bathroom remodeling. Several trades, all rolled up into one. So I needed the tools for several trades and it was still a tiny fraction of what I spent on my tools as a mechanic. And, by the way, I worked for a very small LLC., so I bought some equipment such as scaffolding and an aluminum brake, etc. which companies would normally supply themselves. It was still a tiny fraction of the cost of my automotive tools.
I only do side jobs now, so I've sold most of my tools and my professional toolbox. Right now, I only have a 46" Husky toolbox full of tools. There's about $35-$40,000 worth of tools in there, and it's a very modest tool set. I often have to turn down jobs because I don't have the tools to do it. The last two jobs I did, I had to buy specialty tools - a Honda crank bolt tool for a timing belt which cost $35 and the $22 Mitsubishi timing belt tensioner tool so I could replace the water pump.
I spent a mechanic's annual salary on tools and still turn jobs away regularly because I lack to tools or have to purchase more tools just to get things done. The tools I need as a plumber cost me like two, maybe three weeks salary between all of the adjustable wrenches, basin wrenches, pex crimpers, saws, a flashlight, drills, various tubing cutters, snips, tape measures, levels, pipe wrenches, tongue and groove pliers, basket wrenches, multimeter, auger, etc.
If you're considering becoming a mechanic; reconsider. It's a lot of fun to diagnose and repair cars, but there's no money in it. I only do it as a hobby now.
This hits so hard. I'm a Cad drafter I own F-bodys everyone in Alabama is an assholes when it come to me caring about my cars Ive had to 2500$ in tickets for and 200 extra for insurance while still have a clean driving record. No support you get fought ever step of the way. Only a a few finger I would recommended. rather fight you with a crow bar in the street cause the damn sun is too hot, or some bullshit. Cant grow cant live cant breath. Interviews are just like your videos they get hired like that. you get picked over a guy that has no shower smell like a lime plant. And talks just like about his lifted truck. just because the care about the stupid Alabama football game.
Alright so I wanna become a service tech really bad but im stressing over the cost of school, What do I need to become an apprentice and will I gain the knowledge i need through an apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship is the best thing you can possibly do. A mix of school training and hands on training while getting paid at the same time!
@@RustbeltMechanic Will an apprenticeship hold the same value as school would? For example, if i want to move further into the career will i need to eventually go to school
If you want benefits, pay raises, a living wage really, go into another trade, mechanics work too hard for crap pay and zero benefits. Too many tools to buy unless you're going to be a borrow everything kind of guy. I know waiters, bartenders, and guys who have started in other trades that make more than 95% of all mechanics I've meet. Seriously, a friend of mine left the Automotive world for electrical apprenticeship and started with a higher training wage than he had as a 12 master tech.... The field needs to change. Dealerships are grossly profiting and always coming up with ways not to pay the people there doing the work. Manufacturers are part of the problem too. I remember doing a rear main seal in a 2016 Maxima under warranty and it paid less than dropping the oil pan, even though it required removing the oil pan as part of the published repair. So I get nothing for my extra 6 hours of work because that's "just how it works" or piston replacement on Toyotas, so the time it takes is 33 hours unless Toyota is paying for it, now it's 14 hours.... Sure, if I rush, do it again and again and install torqued fasteners with an impact.... Sure, only going to lose 4-6 hours on each... But "that's ok, you'll make it up on the next one" except my next one is the same thing.... Great, turn a 25-30 hour week, but I "only" did put in 50 hours time that week... If you want to make more just work around the clock 6 days a week....jap car companies are a joke with times, BMW actually figured out you lose your best techs by screwing them so warranty times are nearly the same as customer time. Do yourself a favor and look to a trade that you can bring a bag of tools to work, not a box, the pay is always better, benefits actually exist and there's not a manufacturer or shop owner trying to figure out how to screw you. If you can't own your own shop you'll be hungry.
I been an auto tech for 26 years left last year. Everything you said is absolutely correct. I worked for Toyota for 24 years and their warranty times have gone to basically
Give it away. I moved to Kia cause Toyota dealer didn’t want to give me one dollar raise after a year. Kia Hyundai have an engine recall for several models. The engine remove and replace was around 8-9 hours depending on models and to be honest that was fair and good pay for those. Three months before I left they cut those hours to 5.5 to 6 hours. Hyundai and Kia lost a lot of techs. We are a small shop of 6 three of us left. Two of us included left the industry. One started his own shop. I live in California and before I left the pay was 28 an hour. After since minimum wage went up it changed to 30. Average living income in my area is around 60k my income was about 53k and with the wear and tear to my
Body, bad healthcare insurance, buying my tools. And since it’s so hot here in the summer there is no air conditioning. So it’s not worth it. Best advice get into city jobs. Better pay better hours. Better incentives. I would not recommend this job to anyone. And dealerships and a lot of independent shop owners need to realize they have to pay and offer more to their mechanics because they are a dying trade.
Is 35 too old to go to school and then get hired?
Aircraft mechanic here. The most important tool you could ever have is ur damn brain. And troubleshooting is ur friend
Amen there. Also have a few questions when it comes to aircraft technicians specifically. Would you be able to message me on IG?
@@RustbeltMechanic sorry brother i really dont have IG. Could u ask thru here?
Edited. I saw ur rustbelt mechanic page on fb, ill message you thru there later today if thats ok
whatroads4x4 or maybe even email? therustbeltmechanic@gmail.com
Use to be an automotive tech. Left it when tech started booming, happy I left. Make more money, work less, not sinking a small fortune into tools.
Fact is the industry as a whole is dying. Cars need way less maintenance now than ever before. People also treat cars like a commodity not an investment. Major repair? Trade it in.
Shops closing here all the time, even dealers are combining shops across their lines.
I love wrenching but it's not a long term career for most people.
Well I bacame hybrid tech electrical car gasoline engine diesel tech cng this summer I will finish rail maintenance mechanic
Edwun Martinez How do you like it ?
Oh yeah, pay is shit literally 7.25$ no holidays weekends too.
FIRST COMMENT YEAH
Repeat the 6ps
Why the fuck can’t a shop provide tools? WTF
It just isn’t a thing here in the US unfortunately
It's 5 ps proper preparation perverts poor performance good knowledge tho my guy
Better to be a cashier at a walgreens
True that
Meet more ladies too lol