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Comment by wcunning | Hacker News Reader

$20 is starting as I understand, and goes up quite high for master mechanics with certifications. That's how I meant that to be read.

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keep in mind a good mechanic is making double time or better.. although I understand that's harder on a FORD than a Japanese car.

$20 is also on the low end for a good tech, you're correct.

That seems absurdly low, I would expect a skilled mechanic to make at least $50 an hour.

$20/hour is starting pay around here at McDonalds, In-N-Out Burger, etc.

A decent mechanic who works 40hr is getting paid more than 40hr.

He's also buying his own tools, breaking his back and knuckles, and exposed to carcinogens (used motor oil, grease, etc).

>He's also buying his own tools

cheaper than a degree

>breaking his back and knuckles, and exposed to carcinogens (used motor oil, grease, etc).

They work indoors and don't exactly work in an environment where things get burnt or aerosolized. It's no office job but it's not exactly ditch digging.

The Ford dealership I worked as a technician at had a covered roof, but just past the lift it was uncovered. It was basically outdoors - no AC and the wind would blow rain on you.

If we're playing the stupid "suffering is virtue" game you're still losing to pretty much anyone who brings their tools to the machine.

You're playing that stupid game by yourself. I was explaining the justification behind a decent mechanic who works 40hr on the clock is getting paid more than 40hr on the book.

Thus the starting out part. Certifications, years of experience, skills in terms of welding exhaust or the like all raise that, but mechanics get screwed on their rate regularly, which is why they're dropping out. See one of the other top level comments about "shortage -> low wages."

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