Need help...asap

[farscapeone]

what do entry level auto mechanics make an hour? i've never worked for a shop before, on the books, i just worked at one for free so that i had unlimited access to the shop(made a pretty decent amount on making exhaust systems for people after hours...shh).

anyway, i'm looking at getting a job as an entry level(is that called a class c?) what should i look to make?

From what i remember, if you work at like Lube it all or something, you make maybe 7bucks an hour. i overheard one of the employee's at the place i'm looking at, say something about 10-16an hour. i didnt want to under pay myself, but i didnt want to ask too much so that they wont hire me.

any suggestions? the manager is going to call me tonight around 6pm and ask me what my salary requirements are. help

 

[Jeff Lange]

It's going to vary a TON on location. You're going to need to talk to some local people in your area.

 

[farscapeone]

tried that. still waiting on word back. figured i'd ask on here(also on 2 or 3 other forums).

its a gas station, but has its on shop. 3 bay, 1 is a wheel aligment machine and lift. they have some pretty decent cars there...bmw's, audi's, etc. there pretty decently established, have a good reputation on tirerack.com, for whatever thats worth. nice shop though.

 

[Ckanderson]

it will varry a LOT.

my friend is a BMW tech and makes 24 an hour, flat rate.

I worked at a lifted truck shop and made 14 an hour, top guy made 18.

 

[MmmBoost]

do you have any certifications? most places want to see those instead of experience.

your money will depend really on your ability and knowledge. when i started, they hired me at $20/hr flat rate (w/ certs and tools). i usually work around 50 hours a week and flag about 75 hours.

 

[farscapeone]

no, i'm entry level. no certs. no previous experience for auto mechanics on my job history(was off the books).

i feel like a moron, because now i cant remember if the manager said that i would get paid buy a flat rate. from what i've read, http://www.team-integra.net/forum/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=1&TopicID=141428&PagePosition=8

about the 5th one up, that entry level is 12bucks...but not sure?

 

[Mk3runner]

if you got your own tools around here it would be $15 starting.. but no certs, or wrench time anything around 9 to 12.50 an hr. but thats around here. right now getting a decent job as a tech is almost impossible. I got certs and a few documented years behind me and its still a bitch.

flat rate, don't do it.. without some exp behind you it won't work. hate to be cold but the auto industry is cut throat.

 

[supra_g]

It's going to vary a TON on location. You're going to need to talk to some local people in your area.

I agree... In MN, it's anywhere from 9 to 15. Also, might want to ask employer what they pay their employees. (Worst thing is they won't give you info.) GL

 

[Mk3runner]

I'd say ask questions and be really straight up with the boss, tech adviser who ever it is you talk to.

 

[Jeff Lange]

I doubt they'd start you at flat rate, they don't usually start flat rate until at least 3rd year around here.

 

[Mk3runner]

sometimes at the dealerships they do flat rate to force you out.. at least around here.

 

[Jeff Lange]

Why would they hire you if they're just going to try to get rid of you and not actually teach you what you need to know? Sounds like it's not a place you'd want to be at anyways.

 

[Mk3runner]

shoulda been more descriptive.. I know many techs that had this happen to them around here. say if you don't improve or meet their standards they force you out. the dealerships around here are very jacked up. mainly around here they use the shit outta you then kick you to the curb with force. for the select few that actually do make it still don't get paid shit.

 

[89turbotoy]

i started in my area @ 10 an hour flat rate with few tools. after some honda certs and my own tools 13 an hour flat rate. now 3 ase silver honda cert and away from the dealer i make 18.75 with commission as long as i hit my bas 50 hrs a week.

 

[farscapeone]

its not like i'm going in without knowing a thing about mechanics. i've done everything from engine swaps, engine rebuilds, trans/clutch's, axles(4x4), front axles(fwd), ujoints, complete brake systems(from lines to booster), lift kits, lowering suspesions, etc. i do know my way around cars, the things i dont know, i will learn quite quickly; ie: struts(never done them), aligments, alldata(i've used vag-com before), etc.

it isnt for the rest of my life. i just want to build on my skills. i'm in the process of either going to lincoln tech for ase certs. or just taking the test(was told by the acura dealer manager that you can just take the test, instead of going to college...?)

my plans are to open up my own garage, maybe my own dealership; go into high end computer upgrades/gaming etc, or even have my own tow/emergency/repo business.