Whats being an Auto Tech Like?

[Chas5607]

Hi All,

I been an electronic tech for some time and have been thinking of changing carrers.
I went to talk to a some a lady, "recruter", at one of the local schools and she told me some things that sounded a little fishly to me, so I though a ask the pro's

1. An Auto properley trained Auto tech can earn $60K - $90K a year?
Is that even inthe ball park, seems like it way hi to me, or is that for a 90 hour work week?

2. Auto tech are becoming a very respected trade?
I would hope that one may be true seeing how complex cars are becoming, fully computerized, oh it's about time I think.

3. A good auto tech can write thier own ticket?
I guess she meant there is a lot of work.

And last, what is the best path into this career??

Thanks in advance for any help anyone may have.
Chip

[Integra06]

Wrong place dude.

[Flatrater]

I work for a new car dealership as an tech. I can answer most of your questions.

1. Depending on your areayou live it determines the pay you can make. In areas like Flordia, NYC, Philly and the bigger cities you can make up to 100K a year. I know several that do so. And in a standard 40 work week.

2. I would like to believe this. Do I think the attitudes are changing the way the public sees us. That answer is yes. It has taken many years to get this bad attitude and it won't change overnight. But I think teaching the car owners about their cars will show how hard and complex cars have become.

3. Every Monday morning I start with a blank check, depending on how hard I work determines my paycheck. Most shops work on a flatrate system. Which is a set pay for every single job you do. If you do the job faster you make more money at it.


Now for the bad news.

1. if my kids came up to me I would not reccomend this line of work for my kids.

2. It hard on your back and knees, work under dripping cars during rainy days.

3. You have to kill yourself to make that 100K a year.

4. Too many corrupt techs in the trade.

5. The more trained you are the harder work you get.

6. If you are not turning wrenches you are not making money.

7. If you want to work in this field just due to the money you will be dissapointed. Not all techs make 100K a year.