What To Expect as an Entry Level Mechanic in 2023

I stared with toyota as a lube tech and went to the t-ten. It took me almost 3 years to get off the lube line to do minor repairs. Then another two years before going to the line. I put in the work and put my head down and did everything that came my way. Did ok flat rate lots of ups downs. Then quit and did the indy shop thing for a few years to gain more experience. Back to Toyota for a few more years and absolutely hated it drama favorites in the shop ect. Jumped to fleet for the usps for almost 10 years self taught myself heavy trucks. Now I work for one of the biggest power and gas utilities as a feild mechanic In a service truck. I make six figures union backed by the ibew 1245 and all the perks that come with it.
My advice to all of the younger techs getting into this take your time keep a positive attitude and stay clear of all the drama and politics at the dealer and do everything that comes your way. Nothing to do go ask one of the line techs if you can help. All the small things get seen trust me.the dealer and all the other places I have spent time at lead to me getting this job. Just remember the heavy equipment world need hard working new tech along with most utilities.

Dealerships suck

Aye just started school today as automotive school i wanna get out school work at a car dealership or oil shop and get good pay i wanna know how to be fast and sharp !

Im hoping to go to a local college in my country for a diploma for this. I dont know but im taking a risk of getting a job outside my country. Hopefully, I get at least a good enough salary to earn the first thing i wanted to pursue in college

Hey I got 3 more week in school for mechanic starting as a basic entry level I’m going get a mechanic certification and I already get my osha certification you think I should get a job at a shop or dealer ship and I’m planning to move to Texas in December do you think I can get job down there as a mechanic and use my experience what I’m going get when I move down there

I’m 30 and just now going back to school. In a fortunate position with an early retirement from the military and a wife that makes decent money. Looking into following my dream since I was 17 and getting into working on cars professionally. Been maintaining my own for a long while and I think it’s time to make it happen. Hoping I can be done with my training in a couple years and get my degree. I know it’s a long road ahead before the real money comes into play but I’m hoping to enjoy the ride. Good luck to all of us looking to get in, and good work on all of you who have made it as far as you have in the industry.

I have a question - I am a student currently enrolled in a technology-based program at my local community college, but it's not really involved anything automotive - more work with pneumatics, hydraulics, and electronics. At most, I've changed the tail lights on my car, and changed my tires. Do you think that I am hirable as an entry level mechanic/technician?

Do you think if I’m mechanically inclined and went to school for diesel mechanics(I know going to school means nothing. There’s no replacement for working in the real world) that I could get an entry level auto tech position at a dealership? I’m 32 and do hvac now but due to recent work related issues looking for other careers. Automotive tech has always been my dream job.

Do I really need to go to school? I don't want to spend $20k+ on college and a year of my life if i'm not guranteed a job on the other side

Thanks for your time. Appreciate the insight!

Took me 4 years to make $24 flat rate though. I admit I wasn’t studying as hard as I could throughout that period and I’m a low level b tech. Currently I’m studying up and could be worth about $27 hourly that’s the going rate here

from what ive learned and seen it really depends where you work i currently work at toyota as a LT and at my shop you can learn, make money and move up fast but all depends on if the SM is in a good mood, bad mood or even there 😭 then i got a friend who works at subaru we both go to UTI together and not even 4 months in hes already c tech and they trying to push him to be a b tech while doing his subaru modules and schooling then i also got a friend first job in the field at firestone already a flat rate tech because they dont really do hourly and hes doing a lot of different jobs and learning so it really depends where you work at i feel like dealers can be good depending on the service manager and foreman and but i feel like if you really want that experience strictly being a lube tech for a year straight a good independent would train you but also depends on your work ethic

just wanted to tell my experience so far its a good field to get into just stay away from the tool truck if you in school and have a school discount take advantage of that but also make smart purchases theres nothing wrong with harbor freight tools and keep your eyes open look at diesel jobs too

Im 36 and work in an office setting and in the process of changing to automotive industry and do repairs. Found this video and thank you for making it. Makes sense to start from the bottom and learn and work your way up!

Im 36 and work in an office setting and in the process of changing to automotive industry and do repairs. Found this video and thank you for making it. Makes sense to start from the bottom and learn and work your way up!

If a primary factor at your shop is waiting for an opening, then you have better odds where there is high turnover, which is generally a bad sign. But if you can blow off the drama, embrace working shorthanded, filling in, staying late, and getting as many cars out of the shop as possible, there are good opportunities at shops with low morale and turnover problems (ask me how I know).

I thought lube rack pays more $ since you can bang out hella oil changes quickly

You won’t make money at a dealer Private owners pay more with no benefits and complain about the cost of gloves until you can repair anything from the bumper to bumper you are not going to be paid enough to cover tools and living cost..

Since you're from Cali, what's your take on Cali dealerships dodging all the legalities around pay, tools, and favoritism?

You need to upgrade your microphone. It hurts my ears to listen to these videos, even though I love them.

Worked at 2 places as quick lube/ lube technician. Decided to quit the field because none of the other places want to move up, and I see everyone complaining about being a flat rate tech.

Learn , Learn more , Apply yourself , Have and Maintain a Good Work Ethic , you Cant Fake It , Ask Questions , Dont be Annoying or a Booty Kisser , Your only a Legend in Your Own Mind. Have Patience , Dont be a Complaining Whiner , Everybody Has Their Own Problems , Know there are Good Days and Bad Days. Remember that Everything is Seen Everywhere by Everyone with Todays Security Cameras , Save what You Can , Buy Only what You Need. Play the Long Game , Repeat and Thank God for Your Blessings Many do Not Have. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF , Enjoy the Trade You Do , or Change Jobs , Lifes to Short to be Miserable. Good Luck !

As a lube tech would you recommend going for a dealership or try starting off at jiffy lube valvoline etc?

I started at a off highway shop doing power shift transmissions and kessler planetary axles righ out of college. The diesel world is different than the civilian / light duty world.

Commenting on the video for the algorithm

Was a lube tech back at toyota, 3 years after thry kept me as a lube tech but doing some suspension work and airbags and recalls... but kept me minimum wage and kept delaying my schooling.. soo idk wat to say lol

Favoritism is also used in government jobs

Worked 5 years from a Lube Technician to a apprentice position (transitional to flat rate mechanic)

Dealers only think of quarterly results but mechanics are supposed to think in terms of years??? F that .

Went to UTI 2021 to 2022 ( most of people there are fucking lazy and fall asleep during class but very few are good and pay attention I was one of them ). Did Automotive ended up as a fleet technician at Penske which is a Union shop which pays really good even as a tech 3 which is like a lube tech. Now I’m in the process/ training on the spot to become a tech 2 at Penske which is more Diag work , brakes , a little bit of reefer work , lift gates , trailer work etc anything pretty much. I feel everything fell in place for me or i just got really lucky with the mechanic field. This is my first year doing this btw professionally

Thanks for this video, so much negativity in the field right now. Feels good to have some hope for my future

I was a lube tech August 2021- October 2022. Getting my Toyota certified status helped me move up. ASE A6 was what helped me get my foot in the door so....get those ASEs, guys.

Depends on individual. U have to work hard and it will speak volumes. Head down and work no crying. Move up quick

I'm a current Nissan lube tech/tech apprentice at 18. I'm working full time and also doing school full time. i feel like I'm not moving up fast enough and would like some advice. My end goal is for sure is to either work for BMW, or a fleet tech for LAPD garage or some other place for 100k+ salary.

PS: I've been a mobile mechanic since I was 16, and I have done everything you can think of regarding repairs. I know I'm not the best, but i definitely have a good idea what I'm doing.

I still am doing my mobile mechanic work to make up money. currently making about 6-8k a month, but i want to make them from Dealer ship Tech work only. Thank you all for reading and have a blessed rest of your day.

Started at a dealer over 10 years ago didn’t start in the lube rack, I was a Potter I washed cars, I parked cars did the grunt work. Moved to a different dealer after over a year an half and nothing in the future. Moved dealers to the one I’m at now for 9 years now. I was on the lube rack for over 2 years you have to earn you keep. Those 2 years I busted my ass doing oil changes to PDIs to very minor work to running recalls in the lube rack for the master techs. Those 2 years I grinded it to being almost a level 2 tech in Chrysler I did all my training classes and my manager said okay man it’s time and moved me in and now I’m a master tech. It takes time. I have an apprentice that’s being discouraged about doing majority of oil changed and small work not really diving into things and I have to talk him off at least once every 2 weeks. I told him take advantage of this and soak up as much as you can. In all honesty in my experience UTI and some other programs is a waste, if you are in those programs live in CA get your smog license while you are there it’s worth the time I wish I had someone tell me that years ago because I’m about to start my smog stuff and the time I had while I was a lube guy would of definitely paid for it’s self. It takes time don’t get discouraged. The other secert is finding a dealer like mine where we all help each other and constantly checking each other because the more we help each other the better because I might know something someone else may not know. Knowledge is key. It’s not about going into a dealer working the lube line for a few months and go well I wanna go line. Once you go line it’s sink or swim and I want my apprentices to swim and thrive like I did. Take your time buy as much tools as you possibly can.

Appreciate the videos. Thanks for the great content.

I worked in the field for about 7-8 years. Finally stuck with Toyota last year. Worked as lube tech for many years. Took 6 months to move to Wheel & Tire Tech and this past January moved up as an Apprentice Tech. ALWAYS show up on time, work hard, do your Toyota modules and complete them as most as you can, & challenge yourself taking ASEs (Other shops don't require ASEs, but still good to have them under your belt). Like Nick described in the video the shop foreman will look at all of that. It's up to you that matters and it's up to you whether you want it so bad to become a better mechanic. Yes, I agree that moving as an Apprentice Tech drops in pay because you're not going to flagging as much as Wheel & Tire. But you have the chance that someone is there to help you out and you get to learn a lot as you go (Not most dealerships offer this). The learning & experience is what matters most. You will have good and bad days. Have a clear head and remember that this is the field that you want to do. Keep up with the hard work guys and thank you Nick sharing this video out there!

Different experience for me after over 2 years into my automotive technician experience at a dealer. Very little quality training just expected to fix whatever comes in. Just figure it out is what I get told.

as a diesel tech i was a "entry level lube tech" for 7 months and after 5 of those I was training new guys. It takes time to move up but you also have to pay attention who is moving up ahead of you. be critical of your own work and do the best you can.

Worked at Toyota for about 8months getting paid minimum wage, I went to a Uti did auto/diesel then Toyota/Lexus MSAT right after graduating I got a job at Toyota as a lube tech, loved working there but the amount of lube techs who have been a lube tech made me realize it’s gonna take time to get moved up, most guys have been in the lube rack about 3 years and since then only one had moved up to apprentice, I have a family I don’t want my family to live off of minimum wage for 4 years till I start making money so I decided to quit and got a job as a field tech for Crown a fork lift company and been with them for almost a year and I absolutely love it they started me off at $31 an hour and get raises every 6 months, 401k weekends off, holidays off and paid, healthcare and dental insurance is really good best decision I’ve made and the amount of techs I’ve met that worked in the automotive industry is surprising, I’ve met guys who been line techs for 10 years at like a Mercedes dealer ship or Audi and stuff.

I got no education, no training, no certification. I just started as lube tech and moved up in a year. All depends on the dealership , location and management.

Applied at a local Hyundai dealer for shits and giggles because i came from a background of some diy experience owning and doing diy diag on hondas, euro, domestic and other cars. Shadowed a self taught friend and was able to get hired as a lube tech, spent 1 yr strictly changing oil then eventually started coming in on my day off to help one of the line techs, started to learn quickly how to diag, perform services and other necessities. Eventually became a huge asset for the dealer promoted to head lube tech, flagged avg 80 hrs and pushed over 100+ cars in a two week period. Eventually had a line tech quit and had the approval of all the other line techs that i was ready for the line spent 6 months as the floater tech, and then eventually 4 months later had another line tech quit was promoted to full line tech with my own stall. This business is very difficult in more than one aspect but you have to see the bigger picture. I graduated high school didnt perform any schooling other than dealer required, and now i have a career at 24 yrs old. Its do able just dial in get your numbers up, be reliable and make yourself a valuable asset to the dealer. Ive had days i wanted to quit on the spot and stuck it through. Good luck to all the incoming techs. The payoff of all the hard work is worth it.

Thanks for putting this chat together. Everything takes time to grow into and yeah you’ll move up if you’re “useful”. Days of everyone is a winner and gets a trophy are over. Gotta win it in the real world. Or oh yeah be a favorite— tough reality. Just ask Scar from Lion King.

Been doing this for about 4 years


While going to community college automotive program I worked at Toyota like Nick and was just a lubie with 0 profesional experience. At 12 dollars
They don’t give a F if you can rip your Honda shit box apart and put it back together blind folded that’s not professional nor is it diagnosing which is half of the battle.

Did that for about 9 miserable months before I finally said I’m out went to an independent shop for 15$ an hour still lube but was helping with big jobs pulling engine trans following diag processes with techs.

Did that for 6 months. Stopped completely and finished last semester of school while I got all of my ase for the A series. I knew this was the only way to offset my years of inexperience and to get decent wage.

Showed up at an interview for fleet at one of the two major beverage corporations and landed 23$ an hour next year was bumped to 27$.

You have to do the grunt work in the trenches for a year but never more then that. If you aren’t learning anything new leave go somewhere else but make sure you got your ases at a bare minimal if you want more pay.

Nothing is impossible and if your young (25 and under) don’t sweat it. I was 28 making 12$ an hour thinking the same thing you are maybe I shouldn’t be in this but older techs told me stick with it the money will come. It does come but only if you put your heart into It. You get out what you put in.

If you're gonna go to school, go to a school that has manufacturer partnerships. You can work half the semester at a sponsoring dealership and half the semester you're at school. Do that for that duration of the program and when you're done with that you'll start higher on the totem pole. Closed mouths don't get fed!!

Lube tech for 2 years at CarMax. Moved to Honda 3 years ago. That first year flat rate is a bitch, but once you get past the learning curve and gain some speed it's pretty awesome. If you show up on time, learn and improve, and keep a good attitude, there's no reason your pay shouldn't reflect that. I will say if you don't ask for more money, they won't give you more. Just make sure you have some ammo to back up what you're asking for.

It’s better to see a hard worker with a great attitude get promoted then a person who licks ass to get into higher positions

I started right away as a tech with no shop experience or school or ASEs. I managed to get a spot just by having worked on my own car

I'm about to be 30 years, went to Trade school for 9 months, got an automotive certificate, started at a lube shop under the pit all day draining oil, did that for a week, quit, left to smog shop that did repairs as well.
Started as a lube tech, didn't know shit, how to check shit, one time I accidentally drained the trans oil cause to me it looked like the oil pan, and added double the oil to the car 😂😅
Anyways, got better, started buying tools, I got my smog license and started doing smogs simply because it came a good raise
Worked as a smog tech who could do repairs for about 7 years from age 20 to 27 the most I ended making was 800$ at that shop after5 years, my dumbass stayed another 2 years
Biggest regret I have as a mechanic, any advice I'd give is never stay at one shop if you're pay doesn't go up yearly
Now, I work at a nicer bigger shop, I do flag work and been here 2 years, first year I made 66k the second 76k, annually. I do repairs diagnose work and still hold my smog license
Work ethic is big plus, every time I asked for I raise I've been able to justify it
Right now I don't know what step to take, I'm about to be 30, and my goal is 100k
I'm thinking of transitioning to a diesel shop
And dive into diesel.
But yea my auto career pretty much

Hello. For a typical mechanic job at a dealership, would that be a 9am-5pm? What’s the average schedule?Thanks. A high school senior considering the trade with no experience.

Off topic question but is there any benefit to using OEM Toyota pink coolant vs the Peak Pink 50/50 Coolant you can get at Walmart for cheaper? Will aftermarket coolant hurt my Toyota when I do a coolant flush?