[jiveturkey]

> The dealership then pays mechanics an hourly wage ($20+, fairly high for well certified master mechanics)

Maybe in Ohio.

I'm not sure that your comment is even directionally correct. TFA is clickbait for blue collar pseudo-car-guys. The example given in the article paints the mechanic as the hero, losing money on every job. In reality book time is insanely exaggerated in the median, and the problem is likely more that mechanics don't like earning a dime for every dollar the boss makes.

Many mechanics (seems that is what the article example is) get paid on book time, not hourly. That is what the guy in the article is complaining about. That their book rate is both too aggressive, and far less than the "customer book time" / rate. The reason mechanics are often paid this way is so that they stay efficient. Warranty jobs are especially aggressive on the mechanic book rate, because cars under warranty are newer with few unexpected problems like rusty parts, stripped bolts, age related issues, etc.

[potato3732842]

I'm not a professional and I routinely match book times for most jobs working with no particular urgency on rusty garbage.

[wcunning]

$20 is starting as I understand, and goes up quite high for master mechanics with certifications. That's how I meant that to be read.

[borner791]

keep in mind a good mechanic is making double time or better.. although I understand that's harder on a FORD than a Japanese car.

$20 is also on the low end for a good tech, you're correct.

[supportengineer]

That seems absurdly low, I would expect a skilled mechanic to make at least $50 an hour.

$20/hour is starting pay around here at McDonalds, In-N-Out Burger, etc.

[wcunning]

Thus the starting out part. Certifications, years of experience, skills in terms of welding exhaust or the like all raise that, but mechanics get screwed on their rate regularly, which is why they're dropping out. See one of the other top level comments about "shortage -> low wages."

[potato3732842]

A decent mechanic who works 40hr is getting paid more than 40hr.

[dotancohen]

He's also buying his own tools, breaking his back and knuckles, and exposed to carcinogens (used motor oil, grease, etc).

[potato3732842]

>He's also buying his own tools

cheaper than a degree

>breaking his back and knuckles, and exposed to carcinogens (used motor oil, grease, etc).

They work indoors and don't exactly work in an environment where things get burnt or aerosolized. It's no office job but it's not exactly ditch digging.

[dotancohen]

The Ford dealership I worked as a technician at had a covered roof, but just past the lift it was uncovered. It was basically outdoors - no AC and the wind would blow rain on you.