<p>S1 just graduated from high school and will be attending a jr college (accredited) to study automotive technology. I’ve have heard from 2 different sources (one very reliable, one probably reliable), that automotive technicians (mechanics? I don’t know the correct term) can eventually make upwards of $85-90k or even into the 6 figures annually. This seems amazing to me, although cars have certainly gotten much more technologically advanced over the years.</p>
<p>Does anyone know if this salary is accurate? Incidentally, we live in CA.
Thanks.</p>
<p>It seems to me that this would be a large variable. There’s likely a big difference between the bottom level guy busting tires in Pep Boys vs the ASE certified mechanic with special factory training at Mercedes as an example. If one ends up owning their own business then I think the sky would be the limit.</p>
<p>Next time you take your car to a mechanic take a look at their posted standard labor rates. It’s pretty high. If course, the mechanic doesn’t get all of that (unless they own the place and are the only employee) but there’s a lot of money flowing there just to cover labor (parts are extra).</p>
<p>I don’t know what the ‘average’ would be but it seems that there s/b a government report indicating it.</p>
<p>You may get a better answer on car forums where mechanics/technicians post.</p>
<p>The way I understand it is that:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>At dealers, the service shop’s labor rate has to pay for a lot of fancy facilities, other employees (service writers, valets, etc.), nice waiting area, subsidy for the rest of the dealer, etc. besides the mechanic/technician pay (which is substantially less than the shop’s labor rate) and associated costs (like taxes and benefits). Note that many independent shops do not have a lot of these things that dealers have (think of the stereotypical independent shop with just a garage with service bays and lifts and a very small office with cash register and credit card reader, with the mechanics/technicians handling the billing and moving the cars around), so they can charge less but pay the mechanics/technicians (including the owner) more.</p></li>
<li><p>Dealer mechanics/technicians are often paid by the job (“book time”), so one who can do a good job quickly (through practice and experience) may get paid for more hours than s/he actually worked. But a slow one may get paid less than s/he actually worked. Warranty jobs paid by the manufacturer may have a different labor rate or book time than what the dealer uses for customer pay jobs.</p></li>
<li><p>There are also related (in terms of skills) specialties like working on big trucks or airplanes.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>One auto tech who works for a DC area dealer reported earning in the 90k range several years ago, so yes this is possible.</p>
<p>If your son wants to know what kind of salaries recent grads from his program are earning, he should get some names and contact info from the program director and then ask those individuals. They will know what the market is like in your area.</p>
<p>A master mechanic can build or rebuild an engine. Master mechanics mostly work for themselves. </p>
<p>Dealership certified auto technicians are trained to do routine maintenance. And a dealership Master mechanic (if they really have one) dances ONLY to the dealers/manufactures tune. </p>
<p>Unless hard trapped by a warranty, I would always choose to use an independent master mechanic. </p>
<p>There is a GOOD reason to distinguish between the terms “technician” and “mechanic”.</p>
<p>Thanks to all of you who responded. Much appreciated! I’m glad to hear the outlook is positive. I just want my son to do something he loves and be able to support himself.
Good idea to check with the program manager. Will do that.</p>
<p>I always use the dealer for maintenance except for tires. I had too many independent mechanics break things on my car - my dealer does a good job keeping staff turnover low so that there’s continuity of education and training and so that I’m familiar with the guys that do the service writing and actual work.</p>
<p>I’m sure that it didn’t help that my previous cars were German.</p>
<p>I think automotive technology is an excellent field. Auto techs will always be in demand … especially now that fewer and fewer people are willing/able to work on their own cars.</p>
<p>I also think it’s a great idea and I agree with GladGradDad. There is a world of difference between the guys at the Quick Lube and chain muffler shops, tire shops etc. and a master mechanic who owns his own shop and works on imports or even has a volume American car business. Just as with any major or any skill, it will depend on the person and what their aspirations and ambitions are.</p>