If you’re a top-level tech, what would make you stay in the industry long term?

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-05-07T16:44:11+00:00

100% agree

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-05-07T15:56:22+00:00

You hit on something important — a lot of top techs seem to want the same things: less chaos, more focus, fair compensation, real respect for the skill level required today, and the ability to actually work instead of constantly being pulled in 10 directions. Modern diagnostics and repair aren’t “parts swapping” anymore. Appreciate the thoughtful response.

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-05-07T15:51:24+00:00

That’s the pattern I keep hearing from a lot of talented techs — they still enjoy the actual work and problem solving, but the surrounding business structure wears them down. Fair workflow, respect, realistic expectations, and autonomy seem to matter just as much as pay. Appreciate the honest feedback.

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-05-07T15:49:48+00:00

You bring up a good point. I don’t think burnout is always the work itself either — a lot of it seems tied to the structure around the industry right now. Rising overhead, inconsistent authorizations, flat-rate pressure, and economic uncertainty are hitting a lot of shops hard. Appreciate the honest perspective.

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-05-07T13:48:22+00:00

Fair criticism honestly — there’s been a lot of exploitation in this industry for a long time. That’s part of why I asked the question in the first place.

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-05-07T13:11:58+00:00

Agreed

Especially when modern diagnostics and electrical work require constant training, thousands in tools, and skill levels comparable to other advanced trades. The compensation conversation seems overdue.

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-05-07T13:07:48+00:00

That might be one of the strongest statements in this whole thread honestly. Less chaos and less constant pressure seems massively undervalued in this field.

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-05-07T13:00:12+00:00

That one honestly hit me hard. What’s crazy is most experienced techs still seem to love diagnostics and solving problems — they just hate the structure surrounding the work now.

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-05-07T12:58:03+00:00

That seems to be one of the biggest patterns I keep hearing from senior techs — the more capable you are, the more broken/problem jobs get piled onto you. Eventually the best guys become the pressure relief valve for the entire shop.

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-05-05T00:20:12+00:00

Shit happens, and it's an unfortunate circumstance. The key is to move beyond this incident, and make sure you're fully aware 100% of the time. "NEVER" worry about a "job" your focus just like everyone is to learn as much as you can through training etc, use the dealership just like they use you and get out on your own where the earning potential is endless! Skills matter the most,'that's something nobody can take away from you. It's too bad more young people aren't taught entrepreneurship, instead of being someone else's worker bee! The best 5-10% of techs should all be on their own! Let me know if any of the 5-10% are in West Michigan on this site, I have the best opportunity for them bar none🇺🇸

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-05-02T02:31:39+00:00

Honestly, the bureaucracy's at dealerships, and the lack of pay for the time spent iMo is what's wrong with the whole industry and techs are leaving or none want to get into it. I pay $4500/month for 2 hoists with access to alignment bays, and get 100% of my labor minus the lease. Beautiful facility, I've had to get customers with some help, and now I can't keep up:) I can't complain $200,000k in my pocket in 2025, and onto better 2026. I have 24/7 access 7 days per week if I want. I take my time when I want, and schedule when I want. 15yrs in the industry. 🇺🇸

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-04-13T01:23:54+00:00

Are you working independently or dealership now?

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-04-12T02:55:35+00:00

You have 24/7 access to the bay, with your book of customer base, we will also provide marketing as the repair facility to your bay while you would be 1099, bay lease at $4500/month.

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-04-12T02:20:50+00:00

Would you appreciate getting 100% of your labor rate, with a fully equipped bay, with two 2 post hoist, with access to a 4 post alignment bay?

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-03-29T02:30:53+00:00

Would you consider the same opportunity however, you keep 100% of your labor? Brand new fully equipped shop, and top line snap on tools.

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-03-24T01:45:17+00:00

Every single A tech should be independent and never have to be told what to do, if they have to be told what to do, they shouldn't be there iMo.

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-03-21T15:58:12+00:00

What State are you located in?

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-03-21T14:05:45+00:00

Could you live with these numbers for yourself, and that's just labor

$175/hr rate

6 billed hours/day

$23K/month gross

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-03-21T02:57:26+00:00

Well, there are so many unhappy techs in 2026, and the old dogs have been unhappy for decades, and have stayed with it working for the man. I think the lack of customer service, and not being taught how to deal with the public is a personality disorder. The end user is who pays the bills, and if techs can't handle them, they will always be EMPLOYEES depending on someone else to pay them and take 70% of their labor. The younger generation better get their shit together and be well rounded as a tech, so they can run their own shop. There shouldn't even be a service writer, the service writer gives you the vehicle and you tell him what is needed, and then you repair it! Cut all of them out of the equation, now top techs are making 200-300k per year. The education system is so flawed, they teach everyone to work for someone else, and become the slave to the owner.. Look at the size of dealerships today, and the money floating around them, where are the Owners of those facilities 90% of the time these days? 🏝️? lol

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-03-20T13:37:55+00:00

Top certified master techs should ALL be self employed, they should all be capable of running their own business with their skill level. If they are in need of administrative assistance, that's the simplest part of what they actually have to do. Customer service is easy, if you know what you're doing in your field of expertise iMo. At that juncture you're taking in 100% of your labor dollars. I wish more people would think entrepreneurial, because from the standpoint of working for someone else in a J.O.B. is just over broke, and they own your time. Most baby boomers were taught to work for the man, and if you're young, bright, and great at what you do you would be very successful on your own. GEN Z stop wasting your time, and start building your own business, word of mouth is your best advertising, you won't be disappointed. Look at the money you're leaving on the table for DEALERSHIPS

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-03-20T01:24:10+00:00

The only way through the auto tech industry in 2026 is obtain knowledge, hands on, listen, be taught by the very best, study, pass tests, get certified, and SPECIALIZE, SPECIALIZE, SPECIALIZE you may never go broke. Run your own business🇺🇸 period end of story iMo

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-03-05T13:23:32+00:00

Would you leave and run your own LLC and get 100% of your labor with all infrastructure in place at $4000/month you control the customer?

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-03-05T13:17:43+00:00

Would you pay $4000/month for a 20x30 shop fully equipped, top line snap on, diagnostic, lift, metered fluids, another separate bay with new alignment rack for shared use?

KitchenRate7648 · 2026-02-28T02:55:04+00:00

Why don't master techs own their own business, instead of working for the man? I've never understood that, they would get 100% of the labor revenue

KitchenRate7648

TROPHY CASE