Automotive Technicians Shortage

     


          The shortage of automotive technicians has been a long time coming, and it is estimated that the United State automotive repair industry will be short nearly 650,000 technicians by 2024. Young people have been reluctant to enter the automotive field for some time; the contributing factors are many. Relatively low pay, the lack of clearly defined career paths, and a generational shift away from jobs in the trades have been the most commonly mentioned deterrents, but you could also add the investments in tools and training that technicians are asked to make along with the poor working conditions that many shops offer. Dimly lit shops that are cold in the winter and hot in the summer just don’t seem to be as appealing as they once were.

                The employment website, Indeed, states that the average technician pay in the St. Louis area is $21.61 per hour, and ZipRecruiter lists an even lower number, but these numbers do not seem to be accurate. Local repair shops are routinely advertising positions for $35 to $40 per hour and having difficulty filling positions. Benefits commonly offered include health insurance, company funded retirement plans, tool allowances, and paid training. Advances in hybrid technology and “plug in electric” vehicles, coupled with the popularity of collision avoidance systems that are currently in use and the advent of self-driving cars that absolutely require such technology means that potential career paths within the automotive repair industry are plentiful.

                In short, wages and working conditions are quickly rising, and advances in automotive technology mean that automotive technicians will have opportunity and a choice of career paths for years to come. If you are interested in a career in the automotive industry, or if you have any questions, call Sant Automotive at 314-849-2900.

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