diesel mechanic pay

As a mechanic you're not going to start @ the top pay grade because you require experience and tooling. I can promise you that a 70 hour course won't come close to teaching you squat! Becoming a mechanic is a 3/4/5 year commitment.

 

My mistake>70 WEEKS.

My suggestion would be to learn HVAC and reefer repair. Food storeage/shipping is going to be scrutinized more and more.

 

I did it and was getting paid well. I'm searching now to get back in that field for I really enjoy it. I got laid off from a large company and was fighting with those that got laid off from space industry so I came back driving temporarily while the market settles. I still drop applications in once a month to see if anyone bites. My last was $18/hr as a year two apprentice. It wasn't flat rate either which is rare in retail. My program was a two year program that was crammed into a year. I learned a lot, but quickly realized that when I went into industry, I still didn't know squat. I only knew basics and confidence. My goal is to do refrigeration. I took my tests and got my universal certification. You have to have level 2 to work on temp control units. I did them all with no classes on it. I just studied the book.

 

Even in this economy a good skilled diesel mechanic is always in demand. Get the most education you can, there is alway lots to learn and knowledge is power! In Canada we are already facing a shortage as more mechanics are leaving the trade than new people coming in. This rate is getting worse year by year. Most young people today do not want get their hands dirty and just work at a computer all day. The manufacturing industry isn't as strong as it use to be, we all know that, but many skilled trade occupations are still doing very well for demand and pay. To get the money your happy with you may have to be willing to move a bit, but in general it is a good paying career.

 

I started out at $12 an hour and after 6 years was at 19, This was at a cat dealer in mississippi working on the equipment side. The truck shop guys made a little more than me.

 

straight out of school with no "experience" you will be looking at $12-15 an hour, plus the investment in tools/toolbox. I have been spinnin wrenches since I was 12, I started at a peterbilt dealer @ $10 an hour because I didnt have any "verifiable experience", I worked hard, showed I wanted to learn, went the extra mile, put in the extra hours, watched and listened to the experienced guys that wanted to help, and put out good quality work. when I left their after 4 years I was making $18hr. now things have changed, circumstances have changed I am working for a large trucking company making $17.50hr and on call for the service truck so opportunity for overtime, plus I am the only guy in the shop that can do major engine work. so thats my story but you an expect to get the crap jobs the 1st few years and make $12-15 hr while you are doing it. my advice is try to get somewhere that offers certifications/training ie. eaton fuller/cummins/detroit/etc so if things dont workout you have those certs for bargaining power for more money when approaching your next employer. goodluck to you if you decide to go this route, take it from me it gonna be a hard, tiring, long road but if you truly enjoy the satisfaction of fixing things, it is worth it.

 

i did the mechanic thing. albeit cars and a breif stint with the county fire dept. till they rearranged things.

after 10 years. i wasn't making anymore then i started. never had benefits. insurance. any of the perks.

got tired of dirty nails and skin. and spending money on tools over and over.

i make better as a trucker. even more as an o/o. and i'm not spending anywhere near the money i was spending before just to have the tools that i need. and my hands are clean again. and not drying out from all the washing.