How Much Do Mechanics Make?

[PKRWUD]

Originally posted by Extremestang
Hey Chris, your telling me if i go from hourly rate to book time, i'll make more money? I am currently working at a pretty busy shop here in North Carolina. I make 15.80 an hour. For this location, its good pay. But, i suppose if i get my ASE certs, i could be making more. Tell me more about book rates. I know they give times for labor, but if i, lets say do 3 alternator replacements in 1 hour and book time is say .8 for one, that i just made more then 45 in the hour? What am i missing out on?

You have the right idea. The faster you are, the more you can make. BUT, you don't make squat when it's slow.If you can do 3 .8 hour jobs in an hour, but then have nothing else for the rest of the day, then yes, you made $45 an hour, for one hour, and zero for the rest.

The faster you are, the more business your boss can push through. He will always charge the customer book time, so if he gets the car back after 4 hours, but charges for 8, he just made decent money. Check and see how your place does it, because there is often a reduction in your hourly wage if you go book time.

Take care,
~Chris