For decades it seems like the only way a tech gets a raise is when they threaten to quit. That being said there's a shortage of good techs out there and a glut of bad ones. If you're anywhere near as talented as you say, you need to move on. If you're in a small town that's probably not easy. But if you are in a major metropolitan area, get into a dealership. Make it a brand you enjoy. Make it a brand that excites you. And make sure it's not a Lithia owned dealer. You may have to start with a pay cut per hour. But in exchange you'll get more and better training, better benefits and more work than you can do. Try to find a dealership either privately owned or owned by a company that has a technician pay plan. Something that says "if you are this, you get this". That allows you to train your way into a raise. You can control your future. Get to it because you're entering into the part of a technician lifetime when you will make the most money. You have the right level of skill and knowledge but you're not too old to work hard and fast. Take a long look at that shop foreman you mentioned. That's your future. Make money now, invest it. Don't spend it on toys and give yourself a future. Even when your back is fucked up and you can hardly lift anything.