As far as flat rate goes I guess it's ok for a lube tech to be at $17/hr. In my opinion, a lube tech shouldn't be on flat rate especially when just starting out. But as long as you're making what you need to and are comfortable making it, that's all that matters. Just learn as much as you can and don't be afraid to move on if they try to hold you back to much or if they try to keep you on the lube rack to long.
Not to discourage you, but $17/hr flatrate should be illegal.
I worked at a Kia Dealership for 4 days. Reason it was so short was due to the fact they went back on their word which was to pay me hourly. I told them I was not working for flat rate. 3 days into my stay they put me on $16/hr flat rate. I did 1 oil change a day. I walked out the next day, came back loaded my tools and they sent me a check for "hourly pay" for the hours I worked. Asked if I would change my mind and stay lol. NOPE. Im not a lub tech, I am so much more. The mechanic I work with now says I should be making the same as him if not more due to my diagnostic ability.
I could go in circles around many techs when it comes to diagnostics while those same tech could go in circles around me when it comes to ripping out engines and transmissions. We all have our strengths. regardless, I am worth way more. I am not making what I am worth still right now but the shop I am working at is paying me $19/hr "hourly" after 3 raises in 3 months lol. I am the only one in the company (2 shops) that can analyze oscilloscope waveforms so I get sent all the odd problems and prove the boss wrong, its great
Yup, always look to advance your knowledge. Take notes, talk to other techs, learn from their mistakes and yours. Make your self indispensable by having proprietary knowledge. I share only the very basics but nothing else. Everyone mechanic can turn a wrench, but not enough of them can diagnose anything properly. Thats not to say they are a bad tech, we just all have strengths and weaknesses
If you're on this forum, you obviously want to learn advanced skills. So keep pushing forward
As far as flat rate goes I guess it's ok for a lube tech to be at $17/hr. In my opinion, a lube tech shouldn't be on flat rate especially when just starting out. But as long as you're making what you need to and are comfortable making it, that's all that matters. Just learn as much as you can and don't be afraid to move on if they try to hold you back to much or if they try to keep you on the lube rack to long.
graywave wrote: What I find funny is my boss says ASE certs don't matter to him, which is why the ASE master techs make $23/hr and I have years of experience in the field with no ASEs and I start out at the bottom.
I plan on starting my own Diagnostic Business anyways, I have a few people who would work for me too but need to plan it out more. It was going to start this year but having to move to another house put a damper in that plan. O well. Next year maybe.
A diag business you can do from your truck. So dont be dismayed. You can set up shop in your basement and just work out of your truck.
bruce.oliver wrote: Where are you at Tutti57? State? Not to discourage you, but $17/hr flatrate should be illegal.
Shoot thats what they were paying master techs in florida when I was there in 2005. That may be why it is hard to get new guys? My buddy's son tried to get in when he graduated high school but he could make more money with no responsibility working 3rd shift at Sams Club.
bruce.oliver wrote: As far as flat rate goes I guess it's ok for a lube tech to be at $17/hr. In my opinion, a lube tech shouldn't be on flat rate especially when just starting out. But as long as you're making what you need to and are comfortable making it, that's all that matters. Just learn as much as you can and don't be afraid to move on if they try to hold you back to much or if they try to keep you on the lube rack to long.
I have encountered that before. I had been at a DEALER for a year and they never sent me out to any of the regional training classes. Then I talk to guys in New Jersey and they were like they were going to classes 3-4x a month.
I think I got lucky with this job. I turned 43 hours my first week. Those days included set up and he meetings, so I'm excited for a full week. Today I got screwed since they thought I had off and didn't book any appointments. I took a few walk ina this morning and did online trainings the rest of the day, which pays .5-1/hr per training, and there is no shortage.
The lube tech before me averaged 53/week. Honestly, I'm really enjoying the change.
cheryl hartkorn wrote: sucks that the automotive pay sucks. im glad im retired now and just do this on my own time for something to do. 40 years was enough
It doesn't suck everywhere. There are some good shops out there that pay well. There will be 1 more once I find a good enough shop to buy
cheryl hartkorn wrote: sucks that the automotive pay sucks. im glad im retired now and just do this on my own time for something to do. 40 years was enough
It doesn't suck everywhere. There are some good shops out there that pay well. There will be 1 more once I find a good enough shop to buy
Bruce I had an interview with Avis Budget RAC in NYC two weeks ago and they said they start at $14/hr and pay $0.15 more for every ASE you have and $0.30 for your state inspection license. So having all 8 ASEs and the inspectors license put you at a $15.50 max. There you have it.
Tutti57 wrote: I think I got lucky with this job. I turned 43 hours my first week. Those days included set up and he meetings, so I'm excited for a full week. Today I got screwed since they thought I had off and didn't book any appointments. I took a few walk ina this morning and did online trainings the rest of the day, which pays .5-1/hr per training, and there is no shortage.
The lube tech before me averaged 53/week. Honestly, I'm really enjoying the change.
Sent from my Moto E (4) Plus using Tapatalk
That's good to hear. Sounds like you're killing it, 43 hours for your first week in the business. Good job, keep it up and keep learning.
$17 sounds pretty kick ass to start to me. You have no idea the literal sh*t I've worked in for WAY less than that.
I've had the thought of walking into a Dunkin Donuts and head hunting my way up to manager, then maybe regional and raking in easy money compared to the labor intensive job I have now. I'm sure I could do it, but I live for this stuff! I eat, sleep and breath cars. I worked all day on cars, this evening I stopped at my buddies shop and pulled a Ford truck transmission in the dirt and rain, and now I'm half listening to my wife while moderating on an automotive forum. Tonight I'll dream about torque converters and tranny fluid and tomorrow I'll check iATN while I'm brushing my teeth and think about changing the batteries in the front end loader on the ride to work.
Noah wrote: I'm sure I could do it, but I live for this stuff! I eat, sleep and breath cars. I worked all day on cars, this evening I stopped at my buddies shop and pulled a Ford truck transmission in the dirt and rain, and now I'm half listening to my wife while moderating on an automotive forum. Tonight I'll dream about torque converters and tranny fluid and tomorrow I'll check iATN while I'm brushing my teeth and think about changing the batteries in the front end loader on the ride to work.
Man, I was right there with you until this part. :lol: EVERYONE knows that torque converters (and automatic transmission in general) are black witchcraft voodoo sorcery.
