Quantcast
Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted

Very good article Joe,  Over the years I have been working on cars I have seen so much change except for pay.. I am one of those working 50 hours a week, and done so for a very long time.. I am also flat rate. It use to be years ago I was able to put money away now I make money just to pay my bills.. Unfortunately I think it is going to have to get much worse before people start to notice and things start to change.. I would love to see a six figure pay or even close to it, I think that kind of pay is far and in between. I don't see that happening till things really start to get bad in the industry.

  • Like 1
  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Joe,  This topic has been an issue as long as i can remember. And that is why so many shops complain about no being able to hire quality techs. We pay our techs a base pay and then flat rate on top of that. It works out to about 50-55% base pay, and 45-50% flat rate. It provides a more consistent pay for them if there is a slow week. It also balances the burden of making sure there are cars to work on. My techs make from 50-75k, Our payroll numbers are good, we are averaging 17% net for the year, and everyone is happy.

  • Thanks 1
Posted

The tech shortage isn’t all about money. I think it’s a lot harder to do this work compared to 22 yrs ago when I started. Well, at least if you want to make good money. Knowledge wise, it’s way more demanding and physically it’s way more demanding. To make good money in this industry, you have to be an intelligent person nowadays, not just moderately skilled. A lot of young guys come into this industry and realize it’s not easy. On top of this we are talking about the snowflake generation. There is definitely a different mentality today with young people. They think they should instantly be able to work thier way to the top and be rich. I had a kid right out of high school with no experience what so ever tell me he wanted $12 per hr to start. That was the end of our chat.

 

Minimum wage in my area is $7.35. I start lube techs at 10-12 an hr. Its a good starting point. I try to get guys from oil change places or tire stores. A person that shows promise will not be in a lube tech position for too long. I will usually pay them $5 extra per hour commission done on small repairs.

 

 

 

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Available Subscriptions

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
  • Similar Topics

    • By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching, and Today's Class Recorded at the 2024 ASTA Expo, explore key strategies for hiring, compensating, and retaining skilled technicians in the automotive industry. This episode highlights the significance of comprehensive benefits beyond pay. Joelle Pollak, and Lisa Coyle, Co-Founders, Promotive. Chris Cloutier, Golden Rule Auto Care and CEO of Autoflow. Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode ASTA EXPO: https://astaexpo.com/ The Talent Pipeline: How to Find and Retain Top Technicians [THA 392]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a392/ Discussion on Technician Wages (00:01:05) The Challenge of Salary Expectations (00:02:08) Understanding Costs of Hiring Technicians (00:03:15) The Concept of the Invisible Paycheck (00:04:15) Importance of Communicating Benefits (00:05:17) Navigating Market Expectations (00:07:56) The Role of Coaching and Support (00:09:08) Retention Strategies Beyond Salary (00:10:26) The Importance of Small Improvements (00:12:28) Survey Insights on Shop Strengths and Weaknesses (00:13:07) Challenges of Hiring and Retention (00:14:01) The Need for Effective Communication (00:15:53) Recruitment Challenges (00:19:26) Importance of HR (00:21:04) Training as a Benefit (00:26:02) Employee Handbooks (00:23:03) Perception of Value (00:30:28) Work Environment and Culture (00:31:19) Addressing Small Issues (00:36:26) Annual Review of Benefits (00:39:00) Continuous Communication (00:40:31)
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on X: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections                       Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss, and 360 Payments Recorded at the 2024 Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) Business Management and Lindertech Training Tradeshow, Carlo Sabucco discusses the challenges of flat rate pay systems in the automotive repair industry, particularly for new technicians. He highlights the steep learning curve and unrealistic expectations associated with this pay structure. Carlos advocates for alternative compensation models, such as salary plus performance incentives, to better support technicians' growth and align with their personal and professional aspirations. Carlo Sabucco, Sil’s Complete Auto Care Centre, Oakville, ON. Carlo’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO): https://www.aaro.ca/ Discussion on Flat Rate Pay Systems (00:00:27) Discussing flat rate pay systems and their challenges in the automotive industry. Challenges for New Technicians (00:01:11) Difficulties faced by younger technicians under flat rate pay, emphasizing the learning curve. Alternative Pay Programs (00:03:09) Discussion on the need for alternative pay structures as some dealers move away from flat rate. Training and Continuous Changes (00:06:06) The impact of constant training and changes on technicians' performance under flat rate systems. Paying for Dreams, Not Just Jobs (00:06:22) Carlo advocates for a pay structure that supports employees' aspirations rather than just their job roles. Ethics and Speed in Flat Rate Systems (00:08:22) Concerns about ethical practices and the culture created by a focus on speed over quality in flat rate pay. The Need for Professionalism (00:09:23) The importance of professionalism and fair compensation in the automotive industry. Individual Pay Programs (00:10:23) Discussion on the necessity of tailoring pay programs to individual employee needs and dreams. Building Employees' Dreams (00:13:34) The importance of understanding and supporting employees' dreams to foster loyalty and performance.
      Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and 360 Payments Shop Boss – Shop Management Software built by shop owners for shop owners. It works the way you need it to, right out of the box. Find on the web at https://shopboss.net Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.               Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, breaks down the latest tax proposals from Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, helping business owners understand what changes could impact their bottom line. Whether it’s Harris’s $50,000 small business deduction or Trump’s overtime tax elimination, Hunt offers critical insights into what’s real, what’s likely, and what’s just campaign rhetoric.
      Overview of Harris’s $50,000 small business deduction proposal. Insight into Trump’s plan to remove taxes on overtime. How these proposals could affect small business owners, especially in the auto repair industry. The importance of understanding startup expenses and tax deductions. The likelihood of these proposals passing into law andtheir real-world implications.  
      Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
       
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      Thanks to our partner, Promotive
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Download a Copy of My Books Here:
      Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop   
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
       
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion.
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      This episode of Business by the Numbers is Part 3 (and the final part) of the 2024 benchmark series! What separates the most profitable auto repair shops from those struggling to turn a profit? Today, he's tackling that question using financial data and real-world insights from hundreds of shops across the industry. What you'll take away from this episode:
      Understand what the top 10% of shops are doing right – and what the bottom 10% are doing wrong. Why labor productivity is actually the most important predictor of profitability. Why do understaffed shops often outperform overstaffed ones? How profitability peaks as a shop grows and optimizes, but also how maintaining that peak can be unsustainable. The ongoing debate on flat rate vs. hourly pay for technicians and service advisors, and how it impacts shop performance. Download the Benchmark Report for yourself and follow along! https://info.paarmelis.com/2024-automotive-industry-benchmark-report  
      Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
       
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      Thanks to our partner, Promotive
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Download a Copy of My Books Here:
      Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop   
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
       
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion.
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • Similar Tagged Content

  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...