I am a 19/yr from West Tx in a small town of 100k-140k, I’m a freshman in auto school for associate degree & also plan to stay 1 extra semester for diesel degree as well. Currently 3rd week in working for small dealership for Mazda(only 3 service bay, maybe 4 in future) as Lube tech along with getting training to be basic certified before my 90 day probationary period?(There’s only 1 tech that does everything)
I’ve been surfing the web and a lot of people complain that auto tech paychecks blows booty along that it’s the reason that we have a tech shortage so I’ve been wondering is it possible to get paid & live very well off in this industry? (Maybe somewhere close to 6 figures or enough to have a stay at home spouse?)
I think my total college tuition would be around 15k
Do I keep pursuing and putting work on passion despite the word going around is paychecks are bad? Please hand me your opinions and the pros & cons Auto Vets
Some questions:
What is an acceptable income level to you as a rookie? In 10-15 years?
How important is income level when compared to job security, benefits , retirement plans etc.
What other career avenues do you realistically see yourself choosing if you don’t stick with auto mechanics?
How open are you to working as a mechanic in other areas such as construction equipment, heavy trucks, forklifts, mining equipment, and generators?
1.I asked my service manager how much senior certified(Tier 2 certified, Tier 3 is master & highest level) make and he said 70-90k. I would be satisfied if it’s enough to suppose a future spouse
2.No clue yet
3.Since I live in West Tx we have bunch of diesel, heavy equipment and oil field work, I’d most likely go to diesel.
4.Continuation of prev question, very willing to work diesel if auto doesn’t go as planned, I will most likely be in a program where I do 1 extra semester for a diesel degree