Are auto mechanics rich?

Question

Is it true that who owns an auto service garage is rich?

Answer 1

Well I think they are doing ok.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I've been a shop owner and the only mechanic working in the shop for over 40 yrs. I make a living at it and still enjoy the trade. Many shop are dishonest or don't know whay they are doing on some jobs, and that makes the rest look bad. By the sound of some of the replys it look like they have been taken a few times, sorry to hear that. There are a lot of great mechs. out there ask around at the local coffee shop or ask your friends. And always get a second opinon of the job, and (always) get a copy of the work to be done before they start.

Answer 4

2 separate questions. Mechanics and shop owners aren't always the same person.

A good mechanic can earn about $80,000 a year, however, they must constantly buy tools, they must go to classes every year to stay updated on the latest technology, and the working conditions are generally poor (dirty, hot in summer, cold in winter).

A successful shop owner can make lots of money, however the skills to be a good mechanic are not the same set of skills required to be a shop owner. I've seen lots of good mechanics fail at running their own business, because they are not business men. They know how cars work, but they don't know how money works.

People think shops make a lot of money because they spend a lot of money getting their car repaired. Actually, it is very expensive to operate a mechanic shop. (For example Worker's Comp rates are the highest for any retail business)
In the town that I work in, 10 years ago there were 5 mechanic shops, today we are the only one still in operation. If it was such a money making venture, shops would be opening up everywhere instead of closing down.

Answer 5

Not by a long shot. Tools are expensive, big stuff like hydraulic lifts cost even more, and buildings and land are very expensive. Plus you have to consider that cars change, and it takes time and training and more tools to keep up with the changes. Look at what's happened in the last 30 years. Electronic ignition was the big thing then - a bit of electronics told the spark plug when to fire. Now, a computer controls timing and fuel flow, and can even shut down cylinders if need be. Braking systems have anti-locking mechanisms, some cars even have pro-active suspensions that see a bump or hole and adjust for it before the car hits it. And this doesn't even consider hybrids or dual-fuel vehicles.

Answer 6

well reading the answers I can tell you that it depends on the garage ! Just like any other business.

Someone here judged by the clothes ..well my mechanic has greasy clothes too but he lives in an upscale neighbourhood the same one I do and infact has a much larger house that is 5000 sq feet and his family drive nice cars......

not all mechinc ownders are rich I knew one who due to where he was located had hardly any business at all ( a friend of mone ) like I said like everything else location and popularity decivers the income and wealth of a business

Answer 7

I worked for chevrolet ayears ago and left the trade,,the majority of my friends where auto mechanics and two of them became millionaires with their businesses,,one strecches limos the other had a shop in a busy location the rest are just getting by

Answer 8

most garage owners do alright but I wouldn't consider them to be rich. They have lots of tools and electronic equipment that they must keep buying to stay current with the new cars. I would say most are comfortable but not rich.

Answer 9

theres a differnce between a mechanic and shop owner...many owners just get by..a good mechanic makes 40.000 to 80,000 not rich.. its 12 degrees out today..i dont want to be working on a stone cold greasy chunk of steel with icewater dripping in my face.

Answer 10

Ya looking for a husband? Make it an old mechanic with no kids!

Answer 11

NO!

Many gas stations with repair garages are closing them down and making them into mini-marts.


Good Luck.