A big thing that employers don't take into account is the health risks of being a mechanic. On top of the crappy pay, the high cancer rate in this field is high. We are exposed to oil and other cancer causing agents and that isn't factored into our pay. I know too many mechanics who have had cancer
@@2strokeFORever I totally agree with you on this but we are just another number so then we're replaceable the next day, shit they didn't even give us Hazard pay for working during covid and some of these cars that we worked on are disgusting to say the least
It's either cancer, stroke or heart attack. Someday the industry will start paying better if we convince all the zoomers and after to code instead of coming into trades. Then it's pay up or close shop.
I love being a mechanic. I was in law enforcement and left that career, bouncing job to job till I sort of got in this field by accident. I’ve stayed in it because its the only job I found over all that time besides law enforcement that let me use my brain and didn’t require a degree
Started out as a Toyota lube tech in 2017, left in 2018. Went to Nissan in 2019-2022 and now currently at Audi. My personal opinion on this trade and industry is that there are ups and downs, good and bad days, and frustrating moments especially with labor times, engineers brilliant ideas on part placement, etc. Overall, I still believe it’s like anything, you get out what you put in. You may have to float around to different shops or manufacturers before finding the place that fits you and that is ok. Overall I’ve learned a lot over the years and I’m still and forever going to be learning. My advice is, try it and see and don’t quit the entire industry after one place cuz there are many different places and you may have to experiment to find one that fits you. Is it a perfect trade? Absolutely not but there is no perfect job or career. Give it a shot if you wanna see how it is cuz you may love it and if you don’t over sometime for any reason, at least you experienced and learned something. Another thing is that the car industry is like having multiple trades skills in one because you need to know how to do many things. Hope this helps anyone.
I got burned out after two places. When I look back none of it had anything to do with my ability to work fix cars but more of the management and ethics of the place I was working at. I'm not perfect or the fastest but those are things that can be worked on. I know people who are hitting my for job offers who I know are good people. Part of me wants to move on but I do wanna a give it another shot or two before moving to something else, especially that I went to school for it.
@@amaturetechnician8405 Realistically, the way the industry functions and how dealerships function won’t ever change in my opinion. My advice though is, try it again and go in knowing what you want to get out of it. Trust me, I’m burned out many times still after this many years, but what keeps me going is knowing I am learning and Audi is offering me more learning and school to make me a better technician. Toyota and Nissan were ultimately stepping stones for where I am now at Audi. Hope this helps a little. In the end, what do you have to lose?
@Archangel pester them i guess if that is what you want to do. Keep bothering them until they hate seeing your face and seeing your number on the phone lol
Hey man. How does it feel moving from an Asian company to European luxury brand( difficulty wise?) is it hard to switch from dealer to dealer when you’ve dedicated so much to one?
I don’t think it’s dying, I think that there’s a shift in what attracts the new generation. Now, the trade is in high demand meaning dealership shops are short staffed so the training is going to be a very fast pace, almost sink or swim type of training. So I advise anybody that wants to go in to have a really good mechanical aptitude in automotive meaning you’ve been doing oil changes, brakes, suspension, minor electrical, etc. before hand. In this industry, you either have it or you don’t and you have to have a extremely good work ethic.
Absolutely. I am only working as a lube tech right now but I am set to join the main shop in 4 months. I’ve only been in the industry for a year but I work hard and put out record numbers for our shop. I am training a kid fresh out of high school to do my current job because he has a really good work ethic and will most likely surpass and be promoted before my coworker that has been here longer than us. My boss is very open about the fact that he will only promote the hardest workers. In this industry you have to treat it like you’re always competing with yourself and always attempt to be better. Once you are flagging hours, your pay is up to you. Shops would rather invest in 18 year olds with really great teachability and strong work ethic than an experienced tech that cant get over themself.
I was a smog check technician for 5 years, then I realized that I wasn’t good at working on cars so I became a welder/metal fabricator and after seven years I have my own iron works company. But I think Being a mechanic is still a great career, I learned in one of your videos that mechanics make double minimum wage so at least $30 per hour. That’s pretty good money if you ask me! You just gotta be wise and save it. So I think it’s still worth becoming a technician if you enjoy and if you feel that you’re good at it.
I'm a mechanic because of something my grandfather said. He said "don't do what you want, do what your good at" I'm a natural skilled mechanic, I never struggled developing those skills. If I did what I really wanted, I'd be a bartender and cook. Not saying I hate being a mechanic, but I'm a way better mechanic then a cook.
I worked as a mechanic for over 50 years - at a Toyota dealership the last 16 years. I liked it just fine. I always had work - I never had trouble making a living. Of course you have to be willing to work. I would recommend it.
@@siberian5089 If money is important to you, consider going into a different line of mechanics, such as diesel, aviation or automation/factory. Much better pay, and you'll avoid all the stress of flat rate as you'll be hourly instead. Lots of places will hire beginner/apprentice mechanics to do basic jobs for the night shift, you can learn there then move up.
Im still young, in high school in fact. I started working at a shop and I do the little jobs, oils changes, changing tires, cleaning and sweeping, and lots of shadowing. I do the dirty work and pick up after the older guys in the shop, and even then, I love it! I love the environment. I love the people. I love seeing the cars that come in. I love learning and seeing new ways of doing things. There’s so much I’m ready and willing to learn. I can’t wait to earn my own spot in the shop and build my tool collection. I want to grow and build a profession that will do me well in life.
That’s awesome man! I’m in a similar situation, as in I’m still in high school however I’m uncertain of how to get a job at a shop. You’ve got any advice on how to approach these shops? Thanks!
@@masks3490 I’d definitely say be confident, although I know that’s hard to do. If you’re getting interviewed, list your strengths and some places you could use improvement, but don’t make it sound negative. Try to talk to owners, start at small shops or go big and approach a dealer (although they may not teach as well because they are flat rate) , see if they might recommend starting at their place or and a smaller local shop. I got lucky, as I’m going to a vocational school. Since I’m doing well, the owner wanted to speak to me and I got a job, the whole time I was trying my best to explain what I could do and what we’ve learned, and stay away from talking about things I cannot do. I would also recommend not giving up, if someone says they don’t need help at the moment, try the next one. Even if you’re sweeping floors like I do a lot, you’re in the environment and can ask questions as others are working.
@@ThatNeon Hey! Did not notice you replied because of RU-vid’s odd notification system, but thanks for taking the time to reply and give some advice I really appreciated it. Confidence is definitely the big issue for me, I’ve been working on that, Im looking into the local shops I have in my area and am planning on visiting them but boy the thought coughing up clear and concise words is something. Again I really appreciate the advice it was very informative and helpful!
Being a mechanic is great when you are a mobile self-employed Mechanic👨🏻🔧. Money🤑 is all yours instead of a small percentage for all of your hard work & time.
True but all the liability and risk is yours as well. Plus there’s no company paid benefits. I think I want to start a business but I don’t know if I ever will.
I left this line of work a few months ago. It truly is not a good career if you “kind of” like this type of work. The amount of stress on your body does not justify doing this every day. The mechanic isn’t like it used to be in the 60s,70s,80s. The amount of bs you have to take apart just to change a simple part is beyond me.
@@saveyourhero3307 it’s bad. I worked in a place with no lift and I was getting up and down from a creeper probably 25+ times a day. I’d come home with severe back aches and very sore feet.
Thank you for pointing me to the Driving for Answers video. It amazes me that people simply aren't paying attention. There is a lot to be said for a lift. I no longer have access to one and I dread doing a lot of things I used to think were easy.
I’ve worked at an independent shop as a new mechanic for a few months now and i do not regret it, ive learned sm and made good money not just at work but also on my days off doing tune ups and other small jobs, being able to work on your car at the shop is also great ive saved sm money installing my own stuff
Honestly this career isn't bad at all. The money is good and the day goes quick when you are in the zone. When you start out go slow, learn the process and observe how others go about it. Then work on speed. #1. Invest in tools > Invests in your Career which makes you >> $$$ (Don't go crazy getting top shelf tools but get decent ones to ease that frustration. longer ratchets etc..) #2. PHOTOGRAPHS!!! Lot's and Lot's make it easier for yourself so you don't have to scratch your head putting stuff together. #3. Do it slow and right, car will roll just fine. Do it fast and wrong, You'll stay up all nightlong.
Just started an apprenticeship last week so this channel has been helpful. So far in my limited experience it has all depended on who is teaching me something. I've had guys walk me through step by step and actually have me hands on and I've had others "show" me and do it all themselves. The work I do on my own afterwards has resembled whatever style was shown for that job. Definitely not a quitter tho and I'm very interested in learning a trade so I gotta make the most of it with my own initiative.
This is not an easy career to be in at all. You have to devote so much of yourself to be successful, and if you’re not willing to do that and be okay with it, you’re just not going to be happy. It’s extremely demanding and stressful. That being said, I just couldn’t see myself doing anything else. It’s very fulfilling and for people who love a challenge like me, it’s honestly enjoyable. Not to mention I’m 23 making 70-80k which is not bad at all for not going to college and not even finishing trade school with no debt
I went to TTen program and I worked as a tech for Toyota for 4 different dealers and the system is the same. System is set for techs and writers to be against each other. For me this was frustrating imagine having a bad day dealing just bs work all day and dealing with writers not paying you for some hours and on top of that there’s times they don’t deliver the right story to the customer for them to sell the job( not all writer but most)But when things go wrong who’s fault is it of course the tech. Working for a dealer didn’t work out for me, but it doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy working on cars specially when working on my own project. The point is, if you are looking to be a technician you should look around what is the best dealer or independent shop for you .That’s my story as a Toyota tech. ✌️ out
Just finished the TTEN program myself and i’m a bit skeptical to work at a toyota delariship. It would be my first job in the industry. Is it worth it?
I love working on cars. It’s solving a constant puzzle you have to find out and when you take it all apart fix something and put it back together you feel accomplished. Whether you are auto mechanic, diesel mechanic, heavy equipment, or fleet mechanic the field is open with opportunities. I’d recommend getting a quick Jack to lift your vehicle at least a bit off the ground
I can see myself working on cars every single day with happiness ,always trying to crack up the brain and go through the sh*t to solve the puzzle and be blessed with the satisfaction
Couldn’t have said it better. I agree with all your points. Anytime I think about quitting I remind myself I’d lose access to the shop and that’s a HUGE benefit. If you don’t think you get paid enough just think about how much it would cost to buy a shop (lift, alignment rack, tire machine, welder, scan tools, specialty tools, alldata subscription, etc). Also I’ve always believed the best career to go into is one where you can take your skills and eventually become a business owner, because owning a business is where you really make money, and mechanic is definitely one of those. Also you can listen to basically any type of music you want while you work and cuss as much as you want and generally not have any issues 😂
Worked at Toyota for almost a year as a lube before I quit. Didn’t feel my worth and was just a number to them. Left to become a GSE technician at the airport. Specifically working on jetbridge. Been working there for 3 years so far and loving it. Just became a lead recently and now m focusing on getting my hours to become a electrician. Great content as always Nick!
Good video. Starting an autobody foundation course in January 2023 in Canada and am looking forward to finally working with cars instead of construction.
The first reason is one of the best because the experience will be with me forever... I always wanted to have lift inside my garage.. I feel like I can do anything with that lift..
Very true statements..been in the field 35 yrs..and I still do stuff on jack stands but I hate it ...and I agree with you about the last video how service writers are like receptionist..Even tho my 30 yr old daughter is one at a ford dealership and she almost makes as much as I do..
My brotha I been watching your videos for a while now, I worked in a mom and pop shop and it was a bad experience I kept watching your videos cause it motivated me to keep my dream going thankyou for inspiring new/old mechanics/Techs
I agree. Been in medium duty almost 45 years. Own a repair business. My guys are paid straight time. Upper 20’s plus all the OT they want. plus I pay some insurance, retirement etc. Was a small truck dealer for decades. The amount of bullshit the OEM’s shovels on the dealers is beyond belief. Not to mention their criminal warranty pay times. As I read this channel and others I can’t believe the conditions the guys in the car dealerships work under. Fleet, Md HD, construction is looking for you guys. Big difference is the value of the equipment being worked on. And most of it generates money for whoever owns it. I am far from the cheapest place to get a truck fixed. But I have painfully built up a customer base that place is high value on getting things fixed right the first time and will pay. Had a very good year. Everybody got a 5K bonus I’m in the Midwest, 50 to 60k per year is decent. I’m going to be going up to keep the guys I’ve got and find at least 1 more.
Being a mechanic was my passion since i was a kid in the early 90s. Went to college for two years, worked as a BMW tech for two years, but the money was not enough. Since a left that carrier 15 years ago, i never saw back.
Great video. If people get tired of the industry there are many other kinds of mechanic careers. I left automotive and work on floor sweepers and scrubbers that are electric, battery, LP, gas, and diesel and like it a lot.
ive been a maintenance tech for about a month, dreaming of becoming an a level master tech. im 30. i fucking love it. the people i work with are super friendly, its nice to be able to talk cars with people who know what their talking about. but most of all it im around things im interested in all day. i took a pretty big pay cut to get this job. growing older ive realized that spending my time doing what i like is better than having some more money. life is short, do what you love.
I have been a competent diy mechanic for many years, and carried out almost all my own car repair and maintenance. I have always regretted not training professionally and getting qualified, because i have often felt it wou have been a rewarding career for me.
I left my mechanic job a few weeks. Still looking for new work. After doing subframes, manifolds and other bullshit all day on rusty junk, I don’t even want to touch my truck. Not to mention i found out lube techs were making more then me. And on top of it all my boss non stop bitched about how expensive everything was but we were doing $4 thousand everyday. I felt extremely undervalued. He would always make remarks like “you’re making good money I know “. Yeah. Not really. I wish.
I've been wanting to go to diesel tech school. I tinker on some stuff I feel comfortable with, and I just love it. It's so satisfying to be able to take it apart and put it back together. Im so happy I found you about a month ago. You're just so informative. Thank you for taking the time to do these videos. Happy new year!
Started Toyota in 2016 with going to school at UTI as a valet for 3 months. Then moving forward to the lube rack for a year. I understand working at Toyota Dealership in Express is a lot of pressure, fast pace, high level of stress and dealing with 150+ cars a day. Even though a rotation schedule worked out for getting a lot more free time outside from work. Not a lot dealerships run the same way. 2018 graduated from UTI and hopped over to work at Tesla Factory in Fremont. I got to do more than being Lube Tech. Learning how to use a DMM properly for diagnosing the cars at the line repair department. As well as learning from other technicians. Commute was tough on the mental side and went back to the same Toyota for about almost two years in 2019. Failed to stick with Toyota because of the negative environment within the work place. 2021 worked at Ford, dealt with a mix of gasoline / diesel vehicles at the quick lane. There for 7 months until my body got very sick from the job and got let go. 2022 I came back to a different Toyota. I'm loving it and I brought back my passion into loving cars and I became a Wheel/Tire Tech. Looking forward to the Apprenticeship Team. If you read the entire thing I was also lost in my career path. I no longer had direction in the industry. All together I want to say it's basically depending on your hard work, discipline, the love of cars, how to face head on different challenges working with cars. I get it they're some cars that are not worth working on, but you got to remember why did you choose to work in the industry. Also it's part of the learning curve if choose to work in the auto industry for long term. I'm still learning, and that's the part of looking forward to success in this career path.
I don’t think I’ve used jack stands in 10 years while working as a dealer tech, now I just pay my former coworkers to fix my cars since I make way more money after changing careers. 😂
I was a boilermaker for 12 years. On my down time I tried out being a lube tech for a heavy equipment company. I liked it. I stayed. April will be a year there and honestly I like it.. I’m going to trainings to be a field tech aside from the work I do with the master techs.. honestly I like it..
yes to all that i am glad to see a young dude with the right attitude to do well i started in 76 auto trade school mostly to fix my old car pretty soon i was working at a gas station made a decent honest living. had lots of hot rods and muscle cars. it was a gas back then. stuff was easy to fix and it stayed fixed. i retired in 2015. still got my 86 buick grand national.
i like offering a service and having some knowledge others may not be able to do . Such as helping out a family member , or a kind stranger broken down on the side of the road.
I appreciate the honest feedback in all your videos. I am currently thinking about a job at a dealer or getting an A&P for aircraft but there are a ton of naysayers for both fields so it is hard to get excited about those career paths sometimes.
I hear aircraft mechanics make good money. There will be nay sayers and complainers in every career path you just gotta do what you want to do. No job is perfect
A senior tech explained this to me. You probably want to quit the first 3 years. after that you will learn how to take advantage of the system and make a shit ton of money
the big problem is money; money for tools, (a lot more than any other trades), also electricians, plumbers, carpenters make more than us per year on average (45 years master tech) pay needs to triple
I would agree on the project car, I do love having those, but honestly at the end of a long day the last thing I want to do is work on my personal vehicle. Definitely will never be wanting for employment, and there will still be a need for techs to work on EV.
Yea I agree seems like the more you do it for a living less you want to do it as a hobby. Still nice to be able to do things on your own vs paying someone imo
I'm not a mechanic but I love wrenching. It's a passion and I enjoy it. I worked as a car salesman building my sales and communication skills. I've created a small amount of diy RU-vid videos. I work for a major auto manufacturer test driving cars all day ( not as cool as you think). I don't recommend being a mechanic due to health and risk exposure to chemicals. Turning and cutting rotors are dangerous with all that dust going into your nose. Just keep it as a passion at home. I don't have to worry about a cars condition such as rust. I don't have to worry about customers. Going into debt buying tons of tools. Crazy weather being cold, wet, or hot. I don't have to warranty my work. Lastly no such mechanic exists that knows all makes and models bumper to bumper. If you plan on being a mechanic be a master of the fundamentals and narrow your skill set to one type of brand or models. Be a person who works on just 80s to 2000s mustangs or Mercedes or diesel. Just be a person who cuts and programs keys. Focus on one thing and stay at that. Trying to do everything will be too much on you and your money especially if you're in the business of making for yourself.
I've been wanting to do Certificate III in light weight commercial automotives ❤ & been hesitant! This helped me, hey!! Taking one for the females in Australia ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Dude I feel mechanics is an important trade and you can definitely get your name out there if you know how to sell yourself. I feel like there’s hella money to be made
I think that you should get into mechanics if you eventually plan on doing something for yourself. Whether that be body or actual mechanical work on cars or in my case: flipping them. It is much more profitable than an actual job. Now a job can pay great, but it will take lots of time, effort, and we’ll…. Work. If you know what you’re doing, flipping cars and lawn mowers can be very profitable. Unstable, but most flat rate mechanic jobs are relatively unstable either way so….. to each his own. Either way this industry has its pros and cons like every other industry, whether you like the pros enough to take on the cons, that’s a decision you have to make…,.
I gave up when I kept being turned away for apprenticeships because it's "not for women" despite taking the shop classes in my high school. Didn't want to spend the education money if I wasn't going to get hired.
Very spot on argument. Especially not having to work just at an independent shop or dealership. I have some buddies that work for the state on diesel, research and development for spaceX, becoming automotive professors or teachers. There are many options.
I took some Toyota T10 classes in Jr College back in the day when rice burners were cool. I did it as a hobby because all my friends were in to racing. Im not a pro by any means but knowing how to wrench on cars has been an invaluable skill that until i use to save money. Especially in today's inflated car market. I keep my old beaters running as long as i can😂
I think it should be said though where you live pays different from say where I'm at in Georgia. Here you could start out as low as $20-25 and hour . I think the average mechanic salary in my area is around $50k . I'm making just over that as a mechanic and I do door dash on the side because money gets a little tight still. Also you would get a guarantee? Here it's not like that . So it makes it stressful when your learning new things .
I love learning to be vw tech at the car company I want to be at Toyota was not bad noir was Fords quick lane but it was not so much ford it was every car make and model
Hi I started to watch your videos and feel a little more relaxed, but still nervous. Because I'm going to Toyota to work there but I'm feeling anxious because what if I mess up, what if the customer gets mad at me, what if I never live the expectations for my bosses, etc. The anxiety and pressure is building up inside me and I don't know what to do 😰
Youll be fine, you will be under somebodies wing the first few days or even weeks until you get the hang of things and there will always be another co worker who wont mind showing you the basics.
Another plus is being able to use your mechanics license to branch off into other trades and get hours knocked off future apprenticeships (ex. Millwright)
DO NOT BECOME A MECHANIC! 1) The pay is not good. 2) The work is more technically difficult than most trades. 3) You have to invest in your own tools to work. 4) Society doesn't seem to value mechanics. 5) Dealerships and shops are often run by the absolute worst people. Modern vehicles are extremely complex and changing all the time. Such that working on vehicles is more difficult than working on hvac equipment or being an electrician or plumber, yet those other fields pay much much more. Being a mechanic, not worth it.
I'm glad to hear that you make 6 figures. My thinking is that if a 6 figure paycheck is not possible then go look for another industry that will pay out over 6 figures. And if you're looking for a career you have to consider how well that industry pays or if you have an idea for ownership. Unless you are complacent individual.
My first tech job was a hydraulic hose technician for Pirtek. From there, I went to a rental company, forklift company, school district, and now the city. I remember a friend telling me to just get a foot in the door, do a year or two, then go wherever you want. I didn’t think it was possible, but it really does open the door with just a little experience. There’s some days where I wanna burn the truck down, but overall I enjoy my job and the people I work with. I will say that if I could go back, I’d either be an electrician or a plumber. Long story short, my dad suggested it and I kinda slept on it. Been kickin myself in the ass for years over it.
@@Penguin545 When did switch? I’m gonna be 38 this year and got a family. That’s what makes me nervous about trying to get into it now. Also, what kind are you? Residential, construction, industrial, or what not?
@@JakeNaughtFromStateFarm traveling commercial- changed 13 months ago at age 31, house/wife/twins. Made more money last year in my first year traveling than I did in my 13th year as a tech, last 6 at a Honda dealer- ASE master.
@@Penguin545 Something I’m really kickin around, just gotta see who’s hiring with no experience. Don’t know that I’ll be able to get into the union, but I might be able to find a company to get on with. Pretty sure it’s a lot like being a tech: once you get in, a lot more doors will open up. Appreciate you sharing.
@@JakeNaughtFromStateFarm I happened to get an interview for this position because my wife works with the wife of a guy who worked at this company and we met at a Christmas party and hit it off, but I’ve also heard good things about IBEW union so maybe you can get an apprenticeship going with them, kind of depends where in the country you are as to how strong the union presence is.
EVs still need mechanics. I've been doing this almost 20 years and I'm trained on HV. Being a mechanic pays more than it ever has but you're trading your body for money. It will catch up
Inspirational videos love the content. I have over 5 years experience as a DIY auto mechanic. Im trying to get my foot in the door for an opportunity change. Hopefully the knowledge I've learned will guide me in the direction especially not being on the books.
I completely agree with you, first time viewer here but have been involved with this trade for over 30 years. EV, I believe will be an option not a standard tho. Once people pull their head out of their as*es and do some back ground on EV, if they truly care for the environment, they'll wait. Right now producing an EV leaves a larger carbon footprint than driving a modern fuel burning, efficient vehicle for 13 yrs. We're still to amateur to be efficient at it. Mechanics will always be needed.. PERIOD. The detractors will have fun explaining their views while they're taking the bus after their Prius breaks down.
By the way I enjoy watching your videos, it reminds when I used to work at a Ford dealership as a parts runner. It was fun I had a lot mechanic friends.
people who speak down and discourage people from being mechanic usually have no ase certifications or like one or two, so they don’t get paid as much. That’s literally the ticket to making more bred at the dealer ship.
I love riding and working on motorcycles but the pay just isn't there. I'd have to take a 10 dollar per hour pay cut to get a job at a dealership, so...tree work it is. I'd never pick up a chainsaw again if it didn't put food on my table.
At 5:40 - I've always been curious comparing a high skill blue collar job with white collar jobs. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, a white collar job a few years out of college paying $150k / year working 40 hours/week with the typical benefits (vacation + paid sick days + possibly work from home a couple days a week) is common. Although far less common, a fresh college grad will be paid over $150k/year as a starting salary if they have one of the coveted degrees, namely comp-sci, math, or other hard science degree. These are difficult majors so being rewarded is only fair. I feel that being in the "top of your class" as a car mechanic is also difficult and should be rewarded, but is it rewarded at $150k/year in a major coastal city?
40 years working at Mercedes inde. Shop. Love working on cars but the most anybody makes around here is about 60k! And we are busy all the time!. Endless difficult diagnostic work that just does not pay!
