Anybody here working as an auto technician?

[BrassDrummer]

the highest payed tech here makes like 30/hr. the guy teaching me makes like 27/hr but just this week he made 120 hrs.

Just that upsets me, because we lose a TON of work to independent shops (Two of our best techs left the dealer for the independent shop because they offered them a higher wage, and hourly instead of flat rate), and non of our techs make over $30, and we work on BMW's. Not saying Hyundai's are anything less, but the clientel, and the systems we get stuck with diagnosing does take a lot more schooling. I mean, I went to school for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for 6 months, which included(and I'm not just saying this to make it sound better) 5-8 hours of homework a night!!, and that was just for BMW equipment and technologies. Just goes to show you that your employer will nickle and dime you just like everyone else, because you're just a lowly technician.

[Andy.B]

I worked in shops for 7 years, was a tech for almost 5, left the industry last sitting, and couldn't be happier. I have an a.a.s. in automotive technology. Further training at land rover of America HQ. Spent three years at a land rover dealer until I had enough of the dealership issues (same problems everyone else talks about). Left for an independent shop where I was lead tech. After a year there got completely burned out on it. Left for a lower paying, completely unrelated job last April and am back in school for a B.S. in info tech.
I agree that the world has changed, but the automotive industry hasn't.
Don't do it. You will lose your passion, the money isn't that good, and certainly isn't worth the environment and treatment.

[mikeb23ft]

What about the world of classic restoration or vintage specialty independent shops? How does one get a job in those fields?

[gkobez]

I am Mercedes Benz Master tech, and BassDrummer said it all. I have worked in the industry for 7 years. We had online classes that were mandatory for our certification, and, were 8hrs long, and unpaid! Aside from the lack of money you will be making, this industry will destroy your body most specifically your hands, shoulders, and back. You will have your co-workers doing shady shit to steal your work, customers blaming you, friends wanting free work, huge tool stock cause for some reason they keep re-infuckingventing the bolt! Do it on the side don't make this your career.