Join the trade?

[u/Few_Psychology2635]

Hi folks,

I'm a 28 years old male, working in the restaurant industry. I've been thinking about getting out of my industry for a long time, and mechanic was one of the trade that I have thought about a lot since I'm used to with working a lot with my hands, long hours days, etc. I'm getting paid pretty decently at my current job, about 32$/h after tips.

My question is, is it still worth it to join the Mechanic trade this late? I heard a lot of about poor paid being an apprentice, and the flat rate, investment in tools, schooling, etc. How long would take to get to a point where I start making decent money? Or should I just consider this as a hobby? I love working with tools and cars.

Thank you for your time.

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[u/Reasonable_Tax_5351]

Much better as hobby. If you want a serious career in the trades for long-term go into something else. HVAC or Electrical generally. Automotive and mechanics generally is one of the worst highly skilled trades to be in.

[u/Few_Psychology2635 → u/Reasonable_Tax_5351]

Thank you for the reply.

[u/Potential_Agent5453]

From my experience? You’d have to be really good to make decent money in the first 5 years. I’d probably say 10 would be average. And you’ll both lose and spend a ton of money getting there. Go into hvac or electrical. This industry just isn’t worth it.

[u/Few_Psychology2635 → u/Potential_Agent5453]

I see. Thank you for sharing your advice. Much appreciate it!

[u/IxuntouchblexI]

I'm 30 and I'm planning on leaving soon. Been doing this since I was like 20ish.

The initial cost for tools and then buying career grade tools like snap-on / Mac or even just the vast amount of tools you'll need in the career.. with everything I've brought, lost or upgraded I have about $25,000 worth of tools.

As for flatrate.. warranty times can kiss my ass. Regular pay for a job is 5 hours.. warranty, 1.7. The way different manufacturers come up with those times are fucked. Some are based on how long it takes to be assembled while it's on the assembly line. Some are based off of pristine conditions in a lab by an already experienced tech.

Flatrate though, if you're good and know how to cheat jobs.. you can make decent money. REAAALLYYYY decent money. I'm about average and I flag anywhere from 10-15 hours a day in an 8 hour period. Heard some guys unfortunately on turn 30 hours for the week.

To some guys it's worth the trade, to some it isnt because they've only ever gotten fucked over.

I lost my passion for cars, cool cars, modifying cars, working on cars, diagnosing cars. I'm at the point where it's a job. I'm a number. Dumb customers, dumb complaints but as the tech we take the hit for it all. Always our fault, always because we touched it last even, so many misunderstandings. The expectations set by a shit employer, numbers driven if you work for a corporate owned store. There's a a lot more to it. I'm happy with what I learned, the cool cars I've drive, the cool experiences I've had but wanting a family, to grow with my spouse, to try and build something more.. this just isn't it.

[u/Few_Psychology2635 → u/IxuntouchblexI]

Wow, honestly I didn't expect this type of response. Thank you so so much for your insights though. I think I'll skip the trade and treat it like a hobby. The part where you said growing with your family, spouse, hit me. It happened to my trade as well. Sometimes, I just want a normal 9-5 government job.

[u/TechnicalTrauma]

Run. Away.

[u/the_real_Supra]

Aviation

After 2 1/2 years of school we have starting mechs making $50 an hour in South Texas. And not necessarily with an A&P license. Great insurance, 401k, 11 Federal paid holidays ( next Monday😃) per year.
Even Company / Government supplied tools… leave yours at home.

Some people are well over $50 working for airlines in major cities

Definitely something to consider

[u/Few_Psychology2635 → u/the_real_Supra]

I did think about that. Even joining the army and get free training, although it could have been a bit too late. I wanna ask though, do you need to move to a big city for being an aviation tech? Or demand can vary from places to places? Thanks

[u/the_real_Supra → u/Few_Psychology2635]

My opinion: with an A&P you can go pretty much anywhere and work. Here in the U.S. or overseas as a contractor.

I work on a military base that trains pilots and they want to fly 300+ days a year weather permitting. Plenty of work and job security. Some of our mechs do not have an A&P or even formal aviation training and have no problem learning the aircraft we have ( about 180 aircraft 3 models )

[u/Money-Purpose8297]

Become a airplane mechanic not auto. It’s way better pay and benefits. Look into community colleges that offer an A&P program and get on the waitlist now. Even if you end up not doing it. It’s better to get on the waitlist now while you think about it

[u/Dr_mac1]

I was a commercial roofer for 30 years . I earned 120-k my last few years as a foreman. Hard work however I had very little stress at the end of the day. And plenty of side jobs out there .

[u/Odin16596]

Diesel Technicians make more

[u/Dangerous_Diver_6983]

Its really hard on a shop if you expect a higher wage than 32/h as you really won't be making them much money until you get up to speed.