Wages in Automotive industry. - Page 2

gamera · 20-12-2006, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Good choice. A mate of mine is a diesel mechanic and he was taking home over a grand a week working for Mack. He now works for Qantas fixing ground equipment for something like $1500 per week. There's definately more money in diesel.

Sounds great! I went and saw a man about an apprenticeship today but they wont be looking until jan/feb.

Bossxr8 · 20-12-2006, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamera

Sounds great! I went and saw a man about an apprenticeship today but they wont be looking until jan/feb.

Most places don't take on apprentices until Jan/Feb.

RIPGMH · 22-12-2006, 12:33 AM

My brother is doing a Diesel Fitting apprenticeship, and he loves it. Yeah the money is a heap more then most mechanics. Obviously it depends on your hours but he can pretty easily earn over $50k with a bit of overtime and thats 2nd year. Later on you can to cross over into general mechanics, its just some field time and tafe competencies.

Windsor220 · 23-12-2006, 04:37 PM

I dont know about eastern states but most mechanics including ones form dealerships are getting around $20 - $25 an hour. Dont forget most places have incentives so your actually earning more than that. I'm currently on $21 at Mitsi but that should be going up in the next few weeks.

scotty_d · 24-12-2006, 05:09 PM

Mechanics get screwed plain and simple. Unless you own your own shop, work in mines or surrounding areas or have a generous boss you can't make decent money. In my area it is rare for a qualified mechanic to earn over $17 $18 an hour. If you like nice things and money run as far away from a light vehicle apprenticeship as you can.

XRchic · 24-12-2006, 06:26 PM

What would be the deal if someone who was a qualified light vehicle mechanic wanted to get into diesel mechanics?

gtfpv · 24-12-2006, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRchic

What would be the deal if someone who was a qualified light vehicle mechanic wanted to get into diesel mechanics?

they would need to do some more subjects, (post trade) because they are already qualified some businesses will start them straight up and trian them as well.

**ebxr8240** · 24-12-2006, 06:50 PM

Start as diesel mechanic then specialise in things like hydraulic repairs as in EPV's [cherrypickers] etc...That's where the BIG money is, a lot at overtime rates too..

Or specialise in EFI or automatic repairs ???
I'm in electrical industry, most are on $30+ an hour...

gtfpv · 24-12-2006, 07:01 PM

at the end of the day . it is day work rates that tradesman get rorted on . it's shift work and availability where the dollars are .

XRQTOR · 24-12-2006, 07:11 PM

I'd love to get invloved in the performance industry but i'm on good money atm ($65,ooo) and i couldn't go back to living on $4oo a week for 4 year's while i learn a trade.

I'm even thinking of taking some time off work and learning how to tune car's, then buying a dyno and doing it after work as i normally finish at 4. But it's a big investment.

**Bluehoon** · 24-12-2006, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRQTOR

I'd love to get invloved in the performance industry but i'm on good money atm ($65,ooo) and i couldn't go back to living on $4oo a week for 4 year's while i learn a trade.

I'm even thinking of taking some time off work and learning how to tune car's, then buying a dyno and doing it after work as i normally finish at 4. But it's a big investment.

For any decent money in auto you would have to get out on your own for starters. Or be very very specialised if you want over 50K. ie hydraulics, cherry pickers etc...

As much as I love cars and engines, I will stay where I am, 90k package - sweet...

Leigh thats a massive call shelling out for a dyno...

irsa76 · 24-12-2006, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xebeast

one of the mechanics at my knew job is on over a grand a week
thats working for audi

Lennocks aimed to have as many fully qualified techs as possible pulling at least $800-$1500 a week. When I was at Mercedes the pay rate topped at $54K. That was 5 years ago, wonder what it is now.

XRQTOR · 25-12-2006, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluehoon

For any decent money in auto you would have to get out on your own for starters. Or be very very specialised if you want over 50K. ie hydraulics, cherry pickers etc...

As much as I love cars and engines, I will stay where I am, 90k package - sweet...

Leigh thats a massive call shelling out for a dyno...

9ok where do i sign.

Yea i know it's alot of money but think, $5oo for a custom tune and if i can do 1 a week the dyno will pay for itself in 4 yer's.

buickman · 25-12-2006, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Stationwagon

Lennocks aimed to have as many fully qualified techs as possible pulling at least $800-$1500 a week. When I was at Mercedes the pay rate topped at $54K. That was 5 years ago, wonder what it is now.

Thats what they should pay a tradesman if he has the work ethics to do a good job.
In one job I worked at some forklift drivers grossed nearly $70,000 with incentives & overtime.

XRQTOR · 25-12-2006, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buickman

Thats what they should pay a tradesman if he has the work ethics to do a good job.
In one job I worked at some forklift drivers grossed nearly $70,000 with incentives & overtime.

$7ok for a forklift driver, is that on the warf's or something. What sort of hours they working.

I used to do 7o hours a week mon-fri driving a fork and was getting $17 flat for it. Now i'm only doing between 5o-55 hours a week and getting a touch more at the end of the week.

buickman · 25-12-2006, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRQTOR

$7ok for a forklift driver, is that on the warf's or something. What sort of hours they working.

I used to do 7o hours a week mon-fri driving a fork and was getting $17 flat for it. Now i'm only doing between 5o-55 hours a week and getting a touch more at the end of the week.

Long hours & incentives as per union EBA's it was a large food distribution company that was in the SE suburbs of Melb

RIPGMH · 25-12-2006, 02:01 PM

There's plenty of good money around here for non-trade non-shiftwork. The three blokes on my crew that are non-trade all earn over 70k and do 48hrs day shift a week. We finish at 3:00pm three times a week.

XRQTOR · 25-12-2006, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RIPGMH

There's plenty of good money around here for non-trade non-shiftwork. The three blokes on my crew that are non-trade all earn over 70k and do 48hrs day shift a week. We finish at 3:00pm three times a week.

WHat line of work is that in.

RIPGMH · 25-12-2006, 02:08 PM

Copper Concentrator, nothing back breaking or dangerous. Interesting at times and good blokes to work with.

Gaz · 26-12-2006, 01:06 AM

bit of a joke really when you consider a dealership is charging you around 60p/h labour isnt it.

460cixy · 26-12-2006, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitroman

Mechanics wages and conditions are generally atrocious!
I work at a rural ford dealer as leading hand and in charge of tyres and wheel alignments and I get 15.75ph plus bonus if things are busy. I generally pull 600 in the hand per week, but after the bills are paid it's not much.
The thing that upsets me is the fact we have to sweat our guts out in a shed that gets up to 45 degrees in summer while the boss/salesmen/workshop managers sit around in comfortable air conditioning. In this day and age that sort of treatment of workers should not be allowed!
A union for mechanics would be very good for all of us involved in this sweatshop industry.

same here at our dealer. we have a couple of blokes on ok money but only because thay **** in the bosses pocket. basicly dont get in this game if you want to make money become a stinky public servant or somthing

460cixy · 26-12-2006, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaz

bit of a joke really when you consider a dealership is charging you around 60p/h labour isnt it.

hahaha what dealer you been useing?i would stick with them for sure. i know im charged out at around somthing like 95/100 bucks an hour its a running joke at work seing we are all on around 16 bucks an hour but our dealer has the market coverd for ford service here

nitroman · 26-12-2006, 05:52 PM

I know as soon as I can get another job that pays more that is less punishing I'll do it!
It's tough in the country because there isn't much work around and there is no union to stand up for us, plus o'l johnny has us nailed too!

Ringo · 27-12-2006, 10:59 AM

I think it comes down to how capable you are and what jobs you can handle. Some guys cannot handle anything more than basic mechanical work, other can handle electrics.

These figure being quoted have me gobsmaked. I was on $16.80 in the late 90's when I was at a dealership on the tools. Qualified Mechanic with experience and basic electrical competency as well. Foremen where on about $19.00 and service advisor was a lot more again. I think the money has jumped a lot!

I hear that tyre fitters and techs in WA get paid ridicoulus money to stop them heading up to the mines. I heard tyre fitters getting paid $1500 per week.

The automotive trade is not a bad trade, there is worse. Just make sure you keep up with technology, take pride in your work and skills, work safe so you don't stuff your back or shoulders and learn from the mistakes you (and others) make. Keep your eyes open - there is a lot of places a good mechanic with some communication skills can go and use the same skills and diagnosis techniques.

XRchic · 27-12-2006, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringo

I think it comes down to how capable you are and what jobs you can handle. Some guys cannot handle anything more than basic mechanical work, other can handle electrics.

These figure being quoted have me gobsmaked. I was on $16.80 in the late 90's when I was at a dealership on the tools. Qualified Mechanic with experience and basic electrical competency as well. Foremen where on about $19.00 and service advisor was a lot more again. I think the money has jumped a lot!

I hear that tyre fitters and techs in WA get paid ridicoulus money to stop them heading up to the mines. I heard tyre fitters getting paid $1500 per week.

The automotive trade is not a bad trade, there is worse. Just make sure you keep up with technology, take pride in your work and skills, work safe so you don't stuff your back or shoulders and learn from the mistakes you (and others) make. Keep your eyes open - there is a lot of places a good mechanic with some communication skills can go and use the same skills and diagnosis techniques.

My partner, who has recently left the trade, was fully qualified at a dealer, a very hard worker, very bright and really eager to learn new things - was on mid $15 per hour. Another guy there, who had been there for 20 years, had heaps of experience, was an awesome mechanic, knew everything and never made mistakes - was the highest paid bloke at this dealer and was on $19 an hour or around that.

Even the Master Techs who had been overseas for training and had all sorts of extra qualifications didnt get more than that. One guy had won the apprentice of the year award and was a 3rd year, nearly 4th year. He was paid so badly and treated so badly that he was nearly physically sick every morning when he turned up to work. He was planning on leaving the trade as soon as he was qualified.

Some of the conditions that I heard about, some of the treatment of the mechanics and some of the things that went on there generally were absolutely shocking, breaching all sorts of OH&S legislation, workplace harrassment laws and who knows what else.

One example was when it was really hot, apparently it got to up to 60 degrees C in the workshop (not unusual for a mechanic to have to put up with, I know) and the boys had a refigerated drinking fountain thing in there so they could keep drinking. It stopped working one day and apparently it was too much to fix or replace so they didnt bother. They didnt let the boys come in for a drink in the customer lounge where the only other water was available (where other staff got water too) because they were dirty, etc... so the only place they could get water was from the toilets!!!! They put up with that for months before they got a new water machine in the workshop. Apparently one guy ended up in hospital with heat stroke because of it all.

Disgusting. And for the money? I dont think so.

nitroman · 27-12-2006, 12:02 PM

[QUOTE=XRchic]My partner, who has recently left the trade, was fully qualified at a dealer, a very hard worker, very bright and really eager to learn new things - was on mid $15 per hour. Another guy there, who had been there for 20 years, had heaps of experience, was an awesome mechanic, knew everything and never made mistakes - was the highest paid bloke at this dealer and was on $19 an hour or around that.

Even the Master Techs who had been overseas for training and had all sorts of extra qualifications didnt get more than that. One guy had won the apprentice of the year award and was a 3rd year, nearly 4th year. He was paid so badly and treated so badly that he was nearly physically sick every morning when he turned up to work. He was planning on leaving the trade as soon as he was qualified.

Some of the conditions that I heard about, some of the treatment of the mechanics and some of the things that went on there generally were absolutely shocking, breaching all sorts of OH&S legislation, workplace harrassment laws and who knows what else.

One example was when it was really hot, apparently it got to up to 60 degrees C in the workshop (not unusual for a mechanic to have to put up with, I know) and the boys had a refigerated drinking fountain thing in there so they could keep drinking. It stopped working one day and apparently it was too much to fix or replace so they didnt bother. They didnt let the boys come in for a drink in the customer lounge where the only other water was available (where other staff got water too) because they were dirty, etc... so the only place they could get water was from the toilets!!!! They put up with that for months before they got a new water machine in the workshop. Apparently one guy ended up in hospital with heat stroke because of it all.

His boss must have been related to my boss!!

XRchic · 27-12-2006, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitroman

His boss must have been related to my boss!!

Mate, the fact that this sort of thing is so common, particularly in dealer service departments, is rather scary. I think the trade of auto mechanics, in these places, needs a big shakeup. I bet Ford Oz doesnt really care, or any other brand for that matter....

gtfpv · 27-12-2006, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRchic

My partner, who has recently left the trade, was fully qualified at a dealer, a very hard worker, very bright and really eager to learn new things - was on mid $15 per hour. Another guy there, who had been there for 20 years, had heaps of experience, was an awesome mechanic, knew everything and never made mistakes - was the highest paid bloke at this dealer and was on $19 an hour or around that.

Even the Master Techs who had been overseas for training and had all sorts of extra qualifications didnt get more than that. One guy had won the apprentice of the year award and was a 3rd year, nearly 4th year. He was paid so badly and treated so badly that he was nearly physically sick every morning when he turned up to work. He was planning on leaving the trade as soon as he was qualified.

Some of the conditions that I heard about, some of the treatment of the mechanics and some of the things that went on there generally were absolutely shocking, breaching all sorts of OH&S legislation, workplace harrassment laws and who knows what else.

One example was when it was really hot, apparently it got to up to 60 degrees C in the workshop (not unusual for a mechanic to have to put up with, I know) and the boys had a refigerated drinking fountain thing in there so they could keep drinking. It stopped working one day and apparently it was too much to fix or replace so they didnt bother. They didnt let the boys come in for a drink in the customer lounge where the only other water was available (where other staff got water too) because they were dirty, etc... so the only place they could get water was from the toilets!!!! They put up with that for months before they got a new water machine in the workshop. Apparently one guy ended up in hospital with heat stroke because of it all.

Disgusting. And for the money? I dont think so.

got to agree thats just not right for a tradesman . i'm a fitter machinist with a few post trades my base rate is 27/hr . but my aggragate salary rate as i am on a salary for shif t work is $49/hr plus an hourly bonus of around $3 to $4 on top + overtime on top again. like i say its day work and overheads ( like paying admin ) sales reps managers etc etc that kills off this trade . too many people getting paid from the mechaics profits. now if your husband were in business for himself he would have to acquire a market . he could earn mush more than myself
if a fitter were to go into business foir himself the outlay for a machine shop . and being able to get contractual work would be absolutely phenominal.

nitroman · 27-12-2006, 12:22 PM

A big shakeup would be excellent, but it's like, who does the shaking? As workers we wan't to keep our jobs and there doesen't seem to be any organisation that gives a stuff. My boss recently was getting around with a tape measure waffling on about the wonderful mods he was making to the showroom and service reception to make it look like more modern Ford dealers. When we mentioned "how about air con for the workshop" he laughed an walked off. Then he goes and sacks 3 workers because car sales are slow (one warranty clerk, one mechanic,one apprentice) then goes and buys himself a historic mustang race car and trailer for about 60 grand! What a *****, I can't wait to get another job, but doing what?

XRchic · 27-12-2006, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitroman

A big shakeup would be excellent, but it's like, who does the shaking? As workers we wan't to keep our jobs and there doesen't seem to be any organisation that gives a stuff. My boss recently was getting around with a tape measure waffling on about the wonderful mods he was making to the showroom and service reception to make it look like more modern Ford dealers. When we mentioned "how about air con for the workshop" he laughed an walked off. Then he goes and sacks 3 workers because car sales are slow (one warranty clerk, one mechanic,one apprentice) then goes and buys himself a historic mustang race car and trailer for about 60 grand! What a *****, I can't wait to get another job, but doing what?

Thats exactly right. The problem is that mechanics have no one to fight for them it seems. The amount of knowledge needed and the conditions they work under deserves much better pay. And as someone above mentioned, they are paid $15 an hour but customers are charged $95 - $100 an hour for their time! They are the ones making the profit for the company, yet are paid like dogs.

Its funny you mention the aircon issue, that has been raised before too. And the fact that service advisors make so much money that one month, one bloke who scammed every customer so badly (that in the end he got sacked) went an bought himself a Typhoon one month...

They overbook customers, tell the mechanics to do all of these jobs in much less time than they need, then a) blast the mechanic for not getting it done on time and blame the mechanic to the customer or b) go nuts at the mechanic for getting something wrong due to working under pressure and forgetting something and then blaming them to the customer.... its disgusting.

Im glad he left the trade. He is getting even less pay now but is happier! At an abattoir!!!!