I went to school to my local college. Took the automotive program, and welding program. Just recently I got a job at a diesel and equipment repair shop. Got started at 15 an hour, 3 weeks later I got a raise to 18 an hour. Not the quickest guy, and definitely got a lot to learn but attitude and good work ethic helps a lot
Sal O just curious about how the program works and how long it is in the USA? In Canada it is 10 months in industry on the job and 2 months in school for 5 years to get your journeyman license. Is there anything like that in the USA? Or is it like a starter course?
H Dog it depends where you go, there’s schools that will take 9-12 months here in the uS. I went to community college, where if you want a certificate you can take a few courses and get your certificates within 2 years or so. If you want a degree it takes another 2 years
Sal O oh ok, do you have to go to school to be legal to work on trucks and equipment? Or does it matter? Cause up here you can work on your own stuff without a license but not change anyone else
@DIGITAL SILVER .....most of my jobs were exactly that........a box of parts that use to be something, or a vehicle towed in and half of everything under the hood is missing and in the trunk.
Forgot to mention I just bought an almost mint 98 Jeep XJ because they couldn't diagnose the issue of it not running....all they did was throw parts into it until they ran out of money. All I did was put a new battery in it, squirt gas in the intake and she started, but died. You couldn't hear the fuel pump running, so the next step was the relay, which they changed, but pushed one of the connectors down in the block.......when jumping the pump circuit the pump came on, but zero fuel pressure in the injector rail, no fuel spilling on the ground and 5 gallons in the tank.... With a new fuel pump I'm now driving a XJ that will soon be lifted and trail ready.
I am as always impressed by your post. I myself have been in this line of work for 32 years. Working for independent shops and fleets and also for myself, ten years of field service. It is a physically demanding career and the mental stress you are under at times no one mentions. Yes we have a shortage of quality diesel mechanics in this country and you are about spot on with the earning potential. To any one interested in this career, do your homework, do quality work, and be proud of your work.
As a apprentice I started out at 17/hr. As a diesel mechanic I started out at 25/hr. As a sr diesel mechanic I started out at 31/hr. As a field technician I'm am making in the high 30s. I live in central Texas and do not have a high school diploma. I work on heavy construction equipment.
@@angeljuarez1698 find a construction rental bussiness and see if they offer apprenticeship. If you have any experience you should be able to get in the door no problem, if not they might try to get you into doing a lube only position until they think you're ready.
@@shanejzx1002 SR means senior, I can't knock UTI but i can say if you found an apprenticeship job you could've been learning hands on while making decent money. I'm sure you'll see what I mean.
I been in north dakota 9 years. All i do is rebuild cat truck engines. Work 3-4 weeks on straight then10 days off. Make 105-110k per year. 80 hour weeks. Free housing, good benis. I travel back and forth to colorado on home time.
Currently going to school to be a diesel tech/ mechanic, It’s been great so far. I know some recent graduates that are making $35-40 an hour right outta school. There’s definitely money to be made.
@John Brennan The mines in my area of WY will easily pay a minimum of $40/hr. for heavy equipment mechanics. I work for Bridger Coal Company in south western Wyoming an our janitors at the mine I work at make $27/hr...The trona mines here pay laborers around $35/hr .....It all depends on the line of work and the area you live in so depending on where he is at its totally plausible.
Much respect to you. Being a diesel tech is overall a heavy job to do. I was studying to be a diesel tech two years but didn’t succeed becuase of mental health issues. Keep working hard out there!!
Similar to what I do. Industrial electrician/ maint tech. You have to constantly study/learn/research to keep up. Troubleshooting is the most valuable skill that pays the most. Alot of guys seem to forget troubleshooting and get to a point where they are comfortable, then coast along. My advice - whatever you do, always learn as much as possible and ask questions when you meet someone with more knowledge and experience. It will pay off. I am the go to guy where I work. I am the one who has to figure out the problems nobody else can. I research my craft on my time off too. Be the best you can be, you are never too old to stop learning. I have no formal training, just 3 years of vo-tech in hvac, which I did not go into, but I ran with basic electricity, which really interested me. I learn by doing and thinking. I study videos and books, I ask questions still (53 years old) and pay attention to sights, sounds and processes.
Aptitude, attitude and willingness to learn are the most valuable things. I learned to twist wrenches from my dad, and usually do most of my own work (up to and including engine rebuilds). I remember one time I had an oil light coming on at idle in my wife's van, and I was working way too many hours to get to it myself, so I told my wife to take it to the dealer. The service writer actually tried to tell me that the valve cover gaskets needed replacing to keep back pressure in the oil galleries! And then they threw two oil pressure sending units at it on my dime. I finally decided to skip some sleep, and I hooked up an oil pressure gauge myself to verify the pressure in the system. Sure enough, it was the oil pump. I hate when shops hire trained chimps with no logical troubleshooting abilities and waste my money by throwing parts at a problem.
I just started helping a mechanic in a shop. No experience at all. Been working for 3 days and we had some nice big clutch overhauls etc. Learning lots and got paid about $600 over past 3 days. I’m excited to learn more and to go study this as a trade one day.
Been in the business for 5 years now, I have busted my ass to learn the trade,I put a lot of work into increasing my knowledge at the house. A lot of people think only about the manual labor it takes to fix the problem, very few ever think about the troubleshooting process. It takes a lot of time and effort to become good at it, and really it is what makes or breaks u in this business.
Very true. When your diagnostic equipment tells you there's no faults & no codes. You have to rely on your experience and familiarity to get the proper diagnosis. Customers don't like to pay for parts they don't think was needed.
That's what I focused on - trying my best to be the man who finds the problem when no one else can, it's the magic key to being top of your game. I regret it sometimes, when you tackle the problem no one else wants to be involved with but it never feels old when you nail it. Also I've found you can take your time a bit more, no boss can moan about how long it took you when nobody else could even diagnose it!
Bosses don’t like the parts rack being thrown at it to fix it either lol. There is a lot of “technicians” out there that consider that troubleshooting.
Been a School bus mechanic for 8 years. We have a very hard time getting qualified people. We don’t pay the most but not bad. we offer full “state” benefits, holidays, sick leave, paid vacation, medical and retirement. Everyone that comes knocking always ask the same question. “How much overtime?” As a family man just tuning 50 and have worked in high production shops. I greatly value working Monday through Friday 8-5. And having a retirement plan. There is more to life then chasing the dollar. A word of advice to the newbies, protect your ears, eyes and back.
Jason Lessard I got a buddy doing the same thing yup here in Canada he is making 100k a year salary with the full package deal too, i wish I could find something like that but up here they you have to know someone to get the school devision jobs
Giggity Giggity Learn proper lifting techniques. Use a back belt when lifting heavy item. Alway get help with heavy and or awkward objects. A simple back strain can put you out for weeks.
I’m also a school bus mechanic, in NC. Have been working there for 5 years and was a farm mechanic before that. I absolutely agree that there’s nothing to beat the 8-5 hours, no working weekends or holidays and plenty of benefits and family time!
@@stoneyswolf It's great you found a good job and they treat you right!! When our local tractor dealership got taken over by a big dealership with wall Street money labor rate went from 85 to 130 a hour. But I guess the mechanics did get a $1.10 raise.
Unfortunately from my experience over the years the only way to get a raise its to change jobs. I've found finding decent pay and a good work environment is hard. Starting a new job is tough getting situated but only takes a few weeks usually. I always start high with what I want for pay and Im not honest about how much my current job pays. You say your making 10 they offer 11 you say 30 they offer 30 and so on it's a game in a way. Employers know how much it cost to live it's not a matter of living the high life it's survival.
Quit that living wage crap! If you can't live as a diesel mechanic you are incompetent. I did it for 20 years . Started out at 7.00 an hour in the 90s . I made plenty of money , I got raises due to competence. I worked the hours I need to learn and make more money. Learn how to be financially competent or renegotiate your wage if you are any good.
I strongly agree that making yourself the most valuable person in the shop makes your future so much better. making yourself irreplaceable I believe is the best thing you can do. I started at $12 an hour, changing oil, grease jobs. now I am lead tech in mainly frieightliner trucks at our work. pay scale has substantially increased to the high 20s at just 3 years in the field. one thing i've learned that makes you most valuable is getting a really good understanding of how electrical works on trucks.
I started almost four years ago, with no experience, no education in diesel, in the shop for a dump truck company. Started at $9.75/hr, spent all my free time studying and learning everything I could (watching your videos has been a big part of that studying). I work for a different trucking company now and make $19/hr. Feels good when I consider what I was making four years ago, but still feels low compared to what I think I should be making doing this kind of work. Just got my class A CDL, and I think I am going to switch to truck driving for a while. My ultimate goal has always been to start a trucking company, which is why I started working on trucks in the first place.
All that and only $19? You're getting ripped off lol I'm making $18 at Walmart automotive with no experience and I'm leaving for something better as soon as I get really good.
@@father5946 I wrote that comment almost two years ago, and looking back I definitely do not feel "ripped off". I learned more from from those jobs about the industry that I'm pursuing than I ever could have working in a place like "Walmart Automotive". Last year was my first full year as a truck driver and I grossed just shy of $80k. This year I'm already over $80k on my YTD and on track to end the year somewhere between $120-130k. I just got my DOT numbers and have enough saved, I intend to buy my first truck within the next 6 months (all cash, no financing). If I would have been more focused on finding a job with the highest hourly rate initially, rather than what I could learn from the job, I would most definitely not be at this point today.
broly rcf I suppose you’re talking about the water... I run tugboats on the rivers and whenever there is a problem we can’t fix we have union mechanics that get paid anywhere from 100-150 a hour, (take home) but they don’t work everyday sometimes... but whenever we have a problem that needs sorted out and it takes a couple weeks or more... the take home is more than live able. Depends on what breaks or needs maintenances really
Ben Carrasco, do you work for a dealership, marine or oil and gas? I work for a company in South Carolina. Doing fleet maintenance. I made 72k last year. I had to kill myself to make that kind of money. I'm planning to move to Houston Texas next year. I would like to find a job that pays close to what I'm making now. Point me in the right direction brother.
Mike Johnson There’s a bunch of big companies out here I’m not sure if you should talk to the actual boat companies or the companies we call out when we need fixing. RIO is pretty good and they stay busy so maybe see about them
I am a Heavy Equipment Technician in southern Ontario, Canada. I've been working in this industry since I was 18 (27 years old now) I passed my journeyman exam when I was 23. I've been a Field Technician for large earth moving company for the past 3 years. I love every second of my day, rain, sleet, snow, blistering hot and freakishly cold. Wouldn't change any aspect of my life other than potentially working for myself one day. I also make roughly 70k a year on average, however if i do lots of overtime in closer to 80k.
Volvo Mack master tech here. Just moved to a new company about 6 months ago and they’ve already made me working foreman and I make over $80k. And I’ve been tasked with jobs others can’t figure out. Example: truck been to 3 separate locations finally bring it to me and I fix it and customer is finally happy. I’m only 36 so still more room to grow
My past experience working in a Freightliner shop when young people get hired who are either actively in tech school or post and they have the misconception that they immediately get a bay assignment and start working on trucks from day one. I'm like nope, you have to build your time just like all the other mechanics working in the shop and your first job as an inexperienced new-hire is in the grease pit performing oil changes. Some of these guys/gals come from these tech schools with a big head and an attitude that they are gods gift to the wrench only to learn later that the real training hasn't yet begun and that applies to big diesel shops and automotive shops alike. Start from the bottom and work your way up.
I'm not even in this industry (Union Plumber) but it's exactly the same way here. Some people come in thinking they get the nice jobs with all the responsibilities. Nope, your job right now is to get me my tools or my material I ask for and learn. Or clean up when I'm done, gotta work your way up and make a name for yourself first.
Angel Ortega I just started and didn’t have a idea of how anything works. I’ve never had anyone older give advice I’ve just always knew I wanted to fix things
I've always said with this line of work (forklift mechanic myself in the UK) is that what you get out is exactly how much you put in. If you put the hours in, try to work hard and smart, constantly improve and teach yourself new things (in and outside work - always got my head in a tech manual at home 😂 ) and make yourself indespensible it can be a damn good living. Not many jobs left like that now.
I think most really technical jobs are like that. I'm in the Army in the US. We had a database administrator here who was retiring, and they had nobody to replace him. He saw some work in Microsoft Excel I did as part of my job (which was unrelated to databases). He asked me where I learned to do that, and I told him I took a year of programming back in high school in the 90's, so I was familiar with the concepts and just needed to use Google to figure out the syntax to create code to do what I needed. He immediately asked for me to be pulled in to be his replacement because he said I had the aptitude and the interest in the subject to do the job. Now I've been here for over a year as the one and only database administrator for my department. In that year I've learned two programming languages and mastered most of the concepts of database administration to the point that I'm building tools that the guy I replaced didn't even think of building, and he has a degree and ten years' experience on me. Coincidentally, in my spare time, I'm putting in some time now to learn how to rebuild and tune carburetors, and I've done a few engine rebuilds in my driveway at home. I learned how to work on cars from my dad, who's now a teacher at a technical institute for diesel technology after a 40 year career. I've done most of my own mechanic work for the past 15 years in order to keep from spending too much money on car repairs. And a lot of family will come to me for help on things like timing chains, water pumps, wiring harness repairs, etc. A lot of it boils down to aptitude plus willingness to research and learn.
@@MichaelDavis-cy4ok Your a prime example of what I'm talking about, the really good guys put just as much effort into learning outside work as they do while at work! 👍
Thanks for the video - I'm seriously considering switching from automotive repair to diesel while I'm still early in the game. Been working at Pep Boys for 6 months now and I'm not too sure I'll enjoy working on all electric/hybrid cars in the near future (I'm in CA and by next year that's all that will be sold....and diesel will be around for alot longer) So yeah, definitely making this switch soon. A friend's buddy started out at Hertz Industrials with no experience for 18/hr and was making ~30/hr after 2 yrs. I want to get out of CA soon and wouldn't mind living in Alaska in a few years. Appreciate the video.
Good video. It is hard to determine wages for a area, too many variables, and some people lie about how much they make. Your stats are very good and resonable.
I worked 50+ years as a road mechanic on forklifts, gas, propane, diesel and electric machines , with two big major companies ! I retired at 65 years with two pensions , was a very good career , but being on the road there was weather and working mostly by your self , over time was everyday even the last day I worked ! What do I do with all my tools ? LOL. Nice video, I watch your videos and diesel knowledge it’s fantastic!👍🏻👍🏻
Here in 2024 to add some more data, in the off chance it helps. I had no experience and no formal education in diesel mechanics. My experience was exclusively as a CDL B driver prior to applying, and I caught a massive hiring wave in 2022. I started as a Diesel Tech 3 at Penske in 2022 with a base pay of $24/hr + $3 CDL incentive = $27/hr total (no prior mechanic experience). After about six months of really busting my butt and learning as much as I could, I was moved up to a Tech 2 with pay at $27.16/hr + $3 CDL pay = $30.16/hr total. I was first shift, but 2nd also received a $3/hr shift diff. At Penske, tech 3 usually does tires and PMs. Tech 2 adds in electrical, brakes, wheel seals, DPF cleans, and a variety of other non-diagnostic work. Tech 1 is a lot of diagnostics, transmissions, clutches, radiators, ect. Not sure if its 100% accurate, but after talking with some of the tech 1 guys...seems they were making $38+/hr before incentives such as CDL/shift diff.
As an aspiring heavy mechanic, aside from the back pain would you go back and change it if you could. Everyone tells me I'll be broken when I'm older but because I'm an ignorant prick the thought of that isn't scaring me.
@@joshhead9368 No. going back and change what i did i enjoyed this field learned through the years . the thing i would change , is using my brains on lifting ,pulling and so on. you can make good money ,if you get into the computers field to troubleshoot problems
@@coloradotriker1014 thanks for the advice. I'm beginning to have some hearing problems from working around fighter jets for the last 9 years so I understand the precautionary approach.
Arees Valles you should have some respect fucking dumbass.. I was just like you. But I realized to think before you do something. And I’m 22 i bet you feel like shit already
Great video man. I started out in an automotive shop, working there for 7 years before switching to a diesel shop. I’ve been working on med/heavy trucks now for 5 years and I love it. The pay is great. Just have to be willing to work hard and move up the chain. It’s a great trade to get into. Not a lot of younglings willing to do the work.
Lots of youngings are willing to work, it’s just baby boomers want 10 years experience and a diploma for an entry level position 🙄 don’t try that “young people don’t want to work” bullshit here grandpa.
@@Busygoon EVERYONE wants to get a job with less manual labor, including me, you’d have to be brain damaged to want to bust your balls everyday for the same money as someone that works 1/2 for the same money.
@@merkel2750 But believe it or not people enjoy staying fit, getting paid to learn, and the aspect of being able to interact and work with your peers at work without staring at a screen all day and damaging your eyes.
The Peterbilt trucker Chuck that’s what I’m doing currently. I’m in my second semester of the associates degree program. Can’t wait to get out into the field. I’ve been working nights while going to school to support my wife whose 7 months pregnant. It’ll be nice to actually have money again. Lol
The waste management industry is really hurting, so much so they bumped up the starting pay and there way more lenient. Make no mistake though it's not a job you can dick off at, and its dirty.
I just retired. I put 40yrs as a hvy eqt mech. Great trade, hard work but satisfying. These young kids wantbto go to college but the trades are wide open. Keep reminding these young people that it takes time to learn but worth it
My Autotech professor told me to take a good working environment with constant work for good pay over high pay and sluggish work with a bad woro environment. He was a Diagnosis specialist for Lexus Corp.
H Dog yup, most guys up here have a red seal anyway though. However, I worked in Calgary and made the same, just working a regular 5 day week schedule with occasional OT. Cranes paid big time but the market has slowed down a lot since then. Should also mention I’m dual red seal journeymen for HD and a crane operator. Doesn’t pay any extra but helps make me employable for whatever the economy is doing.
carter240 you right the more options you have on the Resume the better it is i got my auto and heavy red seal, and was thinking with 14 on and 14 off you had to be in Fort McMurray theses days
I have a interview this week at a Caterpillar dealer here in south Florida. It’s an entry level position field pm tech. I just hope they can match my pay from my current job ( heavy duty truck, trailer, reefer fleet maintenance). I know that I can become more than a PM tech but since I’ll be new to the heavy equipment side I guess I have to start at the bottom and work my way up. Show them what I’m capable of.
I was a transit bus tech for 15 years. UTI trained back in the late 80's. Now days, employers are seeking self trained know it all youngsters. Us old guys aren't really valued or respected for our experience. I went back to driving truck. My middle finger to the industry !
Good knowledge well said hard career at starting I m getting in this field after complete the diesel program from community college. Finally got job offer for entry level tech after trying five different dealership and fleet companies. Your video motivate me alot thanks.
I run my own fabrication and diesel engine shop. I only have a few customers but that is because the 3 have a pretty good sized operation going on. One of the guys is just a broker and the other 2 have excavation and trucking businesses. Enough to keep me and my 3 employees really busy. I'm actually adding onto my shop and looking forward to hiring more. I also have 6 single units that haul sugar beats and potatoes in the fall months and 3 over the road trucks. Working on my 4th over the road truck starting in February if this country survives but I doubt it.
Ok, attended county vocational/technical school in diesel/truck repair, 4hrs a day my junior & senior year in high school. Last semester of my senior year participated in a co-op program where I worked at a truck shop instead of classes. When I graduated in June of 1978, I clocked in the next day at $10/hr., which in 2020 dollars is about $40/hr. After 5yrs. working on trucks, I moved to forklifts for the next 13 years, ending at $20/hr. I enjoyed the work the whole time, which makes a huge difference.
I work at a company that has there own fleet. I work in a shop and I love it there are something different everyday. Iam self taught and picked up from older hands passing down there experience. I make enough to raise my family of three. Thank you for your advice and videos they have been helpful.
I went through diesel school back in 99 and 00. Started working in a shop but it was only 11 dollars a hour and they wanted me too work at night. But then they were hiring truck drivers and that paid 13 an hour and it was day shift. Now eighteen years later I'm still driving truck hauling hazmat now home every day and making great money.
The company that hired me helped me get my cdl with no strings attached like having to work for them for a few years. And it was my first driving job. And the guys that were doing it for 10-20 years were only making 14 an hour. Still made nearly 60k a year my second year out of high school. Things were different back then
I dont think an experienced diesel mechanic should make under $30.00 per hour. There is far too much at stake and so much certification snd training required to earn less than that amount.
GREAT VID AND GREAT ADVICE! MY WAY UP WAS IN THE RAILROAD APPRENTICESHIP ROUTE! MY CRAFT WAS MACHINIST. ALTHOUGH I WAS A MACHINIST, I ALSO SOUGHT TO LEARN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ON THE ELECTRICAL END OF LOCOMOTIVES AS POSSIBLE! THE RAIL ROADS HAVE A GREAT COMPENSATION PACKAGE UNION , AND GREAT RETIREMENT BENEFITS COMPARED TO SOCIAL SECURITY JOBS IN THE REST OF THE WORLD! BUT YOU ARE TOTALLY RIGHT IN LEARNING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE! ANY THING YOU CAN LEARN ABOUT ANYTHING FOR FREE IS A SUPER THING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF! I HAD A GREAT 30 YEAR CARREER AND YES WOULD DO AGAIN! THE ONLY CHANGE WOULD HAVE BEEN TO GO THERE WHEN I GOT OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL!
Oil field and mining both are economy dependent. Pays good for a while then the oil company gets bought out and closed or the mine closes until the copper/gold price goes up. Done both . even worked underground.
Good mechanics are like unicorns, a shop is lucky if they find one. You can't just jump in and all the sudden you are amazing, takes years of experience and motivation to gain value in the field just like every other trade. If you stick it out you can make some good cash and enjoy back problems like the rest of us.
I'm 27 and finished my trade cert at 24. Not long in the trade yes but I have good social skills and know how to deal with people,this has seen me promoted to foreman in a workshop of 12 guys.
I operate a horizontal drill for about 6 years now, it has a John Deere 4045 turbo and I have learn so much about diesel now that I been thinking about going to school to be a diesel mechanic, but the only thing stopping me is when I look at the the blue sky and a beautiful day.
I am a field service tech for a major engine manufacturer in California. I have 24 years in the industry, 13 years at my current job and 5 years on the road. Pay is in the mid 40s/hour and I get all the OT I can handle. I can pull 60 hour weeks almost every week. My gross earnings have been well over $100k for the past 7 years. One thing Ape did not bring up was opportunities for side work are everywhere. Prior to working at my current job, I worked for a truck dealership and did side jobs on the weekends. Pulling a couple grand in cash from side work over a weekend was easy. I had all the side work I could handle. And I focused it solely on engine work. I turned down clutch jobs. I turned down brake jobs. Tune ups were $150 each. Head gasket jobs were $750ish. Overhauls $1500. Give me two N-14/855 overhauls and a six pack of Rockstars and stand back. Those were fun weekends.
Brian Valdez you make pretty good money for your age and experience level. I’m not giving away what company I work for, but it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. It is not the major engine manufacturer that Adapt Ape works for, so that should narrow things down significantly.
Rail Fan I don’t know lol . I min wage here for Mechanics is 24 so I don’t make that much over that . I’m a field mechanic and I just wanna get into where I could make the most money
Brian Valdez I’ve never heard of a minimum wage for mechanics. Maybe that’s a Union thing? I’ve never worked Union. I would still say that for a young guy like yourself, you make decent money. With that said, when I was you age, I had to make several shop moves to move up in money. Nobody was offering big pay increases to get me to where I thought I should be. I was also very aggressive about side work. I could easily exceed my normal pay with cash side jobs on the weekends and evenings. Do side work. Take all the OT you can get. Take advantage of this stuff while you’re still young and able to do it. Move to a new company if your current job won’t lay out a plan to get you where you want to be.
Great Video.! I live in Texas Been in the industry for 13 years the last 7 years I made around 108,000 easy... the most I ever made was 147,000 if you put your time in and don't be hot headed in this industry its rewarding...
My uncle is a diesel tech in New Mexico for a pipeline company. He's at 62/hr & still gets per diem. Bad thing is having to live out there mon-sat unless you live by the site.
Here in Australia, mining is where the money is. If you work 2/1 (14 days work, 7 days off) FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) as heavy diesel fitter (what industry calls a mechanic) you can make about $65AUD per hour. Works out around $180K per year. Even in Australian dollars, that's a nice figure.
He is right about ASE certs.. I passed T1-T8(ASE Heavy Master) and never used the cert in the early two thousands; driving paid more than what local shops wanted to pay; wanted to get Master for fun and challenge. Kind of regret it kind of don't; too much local job BS. I did 3 years at a dealership and made less than a dock worker or company truck driver and there were non stop politics
Great video as always Josh. I just left the automotive field and started in the diesel field. Working on lots of Perkins and CAT right now, some Cummins and International.
I'm almost 27 years old and I'm a line lead in a steel foundry making only $30k. Really been thinking about my career lately and this is sounding like a great option as I love cars and mechanical things in general
Diesel mechanics should be making much more money than what they are being paid for the efforts in the aggravations that they have to deal with when you're working on some companies junk trying to keep their overhead expenses to a minimum as well as your pay. The executives are planning on their vacations on your efforts keep in mind when you are 65 years old and your body is broken down that money you are making does not equivalent two very much considering the medical expenses it's going to cost ,a good diesel mechanic OR technician should be making six figures a year without blinking an eye or sweating the argument
CAT puts a lot of money into their retirement, any money you put into your retirement funds they match it, so if you do 50 they do 50. Benis are good. Pay gets a lot better. You just have to find those jobs.
It’s because they can get these kids like me that will do the same work for less and learn under a master tech.If everyone going into blue collar jobs went to technical schools first and already had the knowledge and experience going into the workforce and KNEW THEIR WORTH we wouldn’t have this problem.
@David Jones Well, I have yet to find where I said you were 25. You do have to be 21 to get a Class A, most companies do not hire under 25. You will need to go to a truck driving school, or, find a company that will train you. Then, usually, you agree to work for that company for an amount of time, or, they will make you pay them back. Swift is the largest company..you hear all kinds of things,..but, if you have 20,000 trucks like they do, the law at averages says they will have more accidents and idiot drivers. Community colleges also offer classes..out west and down south. If you're unemployed, the state will pay for it...thats how I got my license. I had a Class B from driving a school bus..the experience helped me. Being raised on a farm is useful...backing a farm tractor with a cart or impliment is similar..as is driving and backing a travel trailer or boat. I would go with Swift...they have many locations for fuel and spend the night...as well as showers. You can also pick if you want to be home more often. They are big...lots of people leave to other carriers...if there is a recession, Swift has a huge presence, lots of contracts to haul. A guaranteed run is repetitive runs from the same route, pay may be less per mile, but it is a steady check. Over the road pays the most, but, can leave you sitting a few hours to a day or more. Refergerator trucks pay the best. But, you have a more urgent schedule...always doable..accidents and breakdowns can be Hell. I worked for 3 companies over 5.5 years. I ran lease purchase first, didn't understand the ins and outs, and left after 7 months. The next, after a year off, we're folks that had 5 trucks to suppliment their farm. They were wonderful people, but, almost 40k in repairs ruined them. They are fine, but, they kept the trucks separate from the farm. The 3rd was a smaller company mostly doing supplies for Nissan. They did run too many junk trailers, but bought 100 new trucks in 4 years, replacing the entire fleet...very nice. All majority automotive usually stay busy, and shut down 2 weeks Christmas and 2 weeks in July...because the factory shut down. It gives you a good break.....most have limited runs is you have to work. All of them have lousy or expensive health insurance...like everybody else. I think KLLM, Covenant, Martens, train. Hirshbach and Riehl are supposed to be ok...but, every company has a shit ton of negative reviews. Companies start about .38 a mile, some higher. That changes by companies, too. CA, with truck speed limits at 55, can be tough around San Diego and LA. San Francisco is supposed to be difficult. Chicago, Atlanta, and the Baltimore, DC, Northern Virginia area is horrible...I used to live near there, I know(DC) I've driven through Chicago about 300 times, ATL, 100. If I can give you any more info, I will be happy to help. My driving days, although not that long, are over because of health reasons. I went in for Carpal Tunnel surgery, and ended up disabled and very close to death. Life can stop all your dreams.
In Australia, I worked in open cut coal mining, made about 140k, even time roster( 6 months a year, less annual leave), great money, but hot long days, even in the shop, often living away from home in a box
one thing to remember ... its a job, not a career , you will be doing the same when your 50 as you where when you where 30 and will be earning around the same amount (+some inflation pay rises)
UNOH is a great School, I went there and I learned a ton. But on the same note it's all what you make of it and I learned more actually in the field but it gives you the foundation of principles to learn on. I have no regrets doing it, other then the student debt...............
What’s your work schedule typically like? I’m currently a maintenance mechanic for a canning company and my work schedule is between 72-84 hours a week during the summer and then 40 hours the rest of the year. Guaranteed weekends off as well and I get to work whatever hours I want mon-Friday as long as I complete the 40. I don’t care about the overtime, but having most weekends off to spend with family is a big deal for me.
As a underground diesel fitter in Australia I get $71 a hour Free food room and return flights to nz 2 week on 2 off but it's taken 35 plus years of work
i have been working at a passenger vehicle shop for a tad over 2 years,(i was 15 at the time) starting as a lube and tire tech, then after 6 months i became a b mechanic doing anything from suspension to internal engine work. im very happy making ~14 an hour for still being in highschool.
Well said, wierd thing is at least in my experience is ag doesnt pay very well but truck shops and heavy equipment do. John Deere wants $125 an hour but only wants to pay $18 to the tech. Where Deere Comstruction wants $125 an hour and pays techs $28.
Broke Down Junk lol from what I hear it goes in dry lol I went to school with a guy that works for JD and he was complaining about the amount he got compared to the hourly rate, that’s the only reason I know there rate up north
Working for johndeere ag or any agriculture tractor dealer ship pays shit....the AG industry is penny pinching all the time. Construction and transportation equipment is what pays.
I left a Case Dealership only making $15.00/hr after 2 years. 3 years of previous experience on semis and school buses and countless training and certifications. Needless to say I chose a new career field where it's not as hard on your body and making more money. 24 going on 25 years old and I already feel like an old man. Especially with tinnitus in my left ear.
I work in northern Canada . You couldn't pay me enough to be out wrenching in -30 . I have the utmost respect for those mechanics who do . I wouldn't have a paycheck without them .
Been a diesel tech since 2003 and now I’m making really good money but he’s right I’m stuck in the industry I make to much money to quit but sometimes I want to because sometimes it sucks to get all the work…. I’m in a fleet so yea I get stuck with all the work while other guys regen all day smh….. and well with the years of experience and over time comes injuries and the wear down of your body I have had both hands fixed due to carpal tunnel….
Here in Florida it seems to cap around 33/hour. I do my own mobile and bill in at 125 an hour which affords my family a decent living and allows me to put money back for things like retirement etc
I didn't have formal education in the Diesel technology. I started from the bottom. I became a tech in 2007, starting at $21. 16 yrs later, I'm making $40 hr. It helped, I was union member. I worked in the Rental/ leasing field. I'm considered a intermediate tech. Depends on where you live, and your experience you could make pretty gd money depending on your company. Experience helps.
After serving my time on trucks for a Large Manchester haulier I was getting 7shillings and 6 pence an hour in 1965 which equaled £15-00 a week for 40 hours which I doubled by working 7days a week 50 weeks a year. For that we worked in an old stable in Ardwick with a cobbled floor, to change engines we had to push the truck away from the engine because we couldn't push the engine crane along that floor, when putting the replacement engine in which I had overhauled from another truck the yard staff were loading the truck ready for going to London that night. It's a bit different today with heated workshops with pits and Lorry lifts to make the work a lot easier and we actually thought we were well off.
up to 5k a week. So about a third to half as much as a doctor with a basic specialty. Owners can earn several million a year. Thats the high end. Low end. 25 an hour.
Went to a 16 week program offered free through the job. Came in as a junior mechanic and made General Mechanic within a year. Time and a Half, Double Time, And Triple Time For holidays resulted in 60k my first year, ~95k my Second, and ~75 My Third(I Chose Not To Do As Much OT). Theres guys that practically live here and making 120k+. But that is wear and tear on the body for those that's doing doing that. My somewhat heavy year (Not Max Effort OT) I save some loot and invested elseswhere because while I like seeing $1700+ weekly check, having some $ come in that's passive is even better. Dirt washes off. If you not safe things could go wrong very wrong. Being able to finance on your own damn near whatever you need for you and your family is a fantastic feeling.
I work as a mechanic in a mine in Ontario Canada, everything is provided tools, coveralls etc.. we get $37.35. Lots of OT available.. it’s all underground. So not too bad just really hot depends on where you go..we shut it down at 40c/104 f.
Retired from a large hospital/research center that had 18 Cat generators most were 2 megawatt generators. Company gave us great service. They often had to come out late in the afternoon and stay past midnight to get diesel engine running. $46 grand a year not enough for theses workers.
I made $22hr TOPS in Michigan with certs...Moved to Alabama and within 2 weeks I'm making $40/hr to care for HUGE trucking accounts 24/7...if I put into 40 hrs a week shop time I'm at $76k...I aswell run service calls that boost me upto nearly $120/hr. If I change a radiator that pays for 6hrs and I do it in 3, I get paid for that 6.
Very well explained and this is a fit for many industries, I do work for CAT but as a field tech as a support channel for their business. I/O field tech basically.
been a general auto mechanic for 11 years started @ 18yr old now 33 no a.s.e started as a lube tech worked my way up have learned from anyone I can @ every shop I have worked for now making $47.50 hourly @ busy independent shop. right place right time.
Here in Australia Heavy Diesel Fitters in the mines earn around AU$160 000 per annum which is roughly US$115 000 on a week on week off roster with 4 weeks annual leave plus sick leave entitlements. Most mines bring fly in fly out FIFO flights paid for and some being drive in drive out DIDO. It's a big deal being a diesel fitter down under
I know it’s an old post. I personally spent 22 years working on highway trucks. It was good but had to work a lot of overtime to make good money. I got really bored of them I had enough. Switch to Offroad five years ago. I work for a mining company and I’m home every night I work a lot of overtime and make a lot more money than I ever did . love every day working on the off-road equipment it’s new in exciting 90k-100k on road 100k +++ off road. Before Canadian Texas lol
Dont know about other areas but here in WY in my area your looking at a minimum of $40/hr. I work 12 hr shifts 4 days on and 4 days off with as much OT as you want. Can easily make 100k a year.
I started working at kenworth or central Florida as a tech when I was 16 and I was making 12 an hour I’ve been there 2 years now and I’m about to go full time, I’ve had a raise in that time and I’m about done with high school so my service manager said since I’ve been in the field two years he isn’t going to have me go to school to get certified but he is going to get me industry certified. Only 2 more months and I’ll be full time.
i live in ontario , did my apprenticeship right out of high school and got lisenced, 310t, when i was 20 years old, did it until i was 37,and got out of it, basically because the pay is not enough, its fine if ur a bachelor but i am married with 3 kids and it just paid the bills not much extra,in my area the highest rate an hour at dealers is 35-36 canadien an hour at best, so i bought a truck , an older 379 i can easily work on myself, and bin drivin evere since, leave sunday monday back thursday early friday, it sucks leaving the family but i can provide for them way better, i dont run crazy and make 4 times what i did in a shop, i pull hazmat tankers and the change in scenery was something good also! but i do enjoy working on my own stuff now also!
I made a good living in an underground mine. Always annoyed me how a shop charges over $100/hr no matter who is doing the work then pay a new guy $12 and top pay guy $25. In my area when I still working for shops. Who you want working on your equipment??
Just got an entry level position starting at 30 hourly. 25 an hourly plus 2.50 for shift premium plus 2.50 for having my cdl. Looking forward to the income lol
I hate diesel work. It's messy smelly and heavy. I do auto light medium truck repair. Make 80-85k a year in a mom and pop shop. The owner his son and the owners dad hangs out sometimes. Easy work easy hours that's how I like it.
Not mentioned is the airline industry. Even though it's hurting right now there's plenty of jet tractors, cranes,bag tugs, cargo tugs,trucks etc. Great hourly pay,benefits and work conditions. Also not mentioned is city transit buses and other vehicles . I've worked both and no complaints.
Holy shit man ,im a comms tech in Australia and triple your figure, thats not bragging just putting it perspective, you blokes work hard and long hours at a tuff job , you deserve alot more money for your hard work, and like some of the comments say , the older mechanics have back pain and ailments, it's a tuff gig and i feel for you's , deisel mechanics in the mines here are up around 200k a year, maybe move over here lol
200k australian? that is the same as 130k USD which is about what I make... and i don't work in a mine... i work the same hours every day for a dealership 5 miles from home...
I am diesel tech for an equipment rental company in the permian basin in Texas we only service the oilfield i have 3 years experience going on 4 and i make low 30s an hour being a field tech, if you work directly for the oil field or do Nat gas compressors you can make way more than that, but even just doing rentals out here ive seen guys with 5+ years hit 40 plus an hour. One thing i like about diesel is all the different options one draw back is everyone typically hires on experience based on the type of equipment they run ie if you apply for a job doing earthmoving equipment but only have ever worked on trucks then they typically will look for someone with experience on their paticular equipment, with overtime which fluctuates i make 100k+ i try tp hit 70 to 100hrs per week, i started sweeping floors basically and worked my way up without going to school but yea i only made 15 bucks an hour starting out. My dream is to get on with CAT one day and become a certified CAT master tech
I went to school to my local college. Took the automotive program, and welding program. Just recently I got a job at a diesel and equipment repair shop. Got started at 15 an hour, 3 weeks later I got a raise to 18 an hour. Not the quickest guy, and definitely got a lot to learn but attitude and good work ethic helps a lot
Sal O just curious about how the program works and how long it is in the USA? In Canada it is 10 months in industry on the job and 2 months in school for 5 years to get your journeyman license. Is there anything like that in the USA? Or is it like a starter course?
H Dog it depends where you go, there’s schools that will take 9-12 months here in the uS. I went to community college, where if you want a certificate you can take a few courses and get your certificates within 2 years or so. If you want a degree it takes another 2 years
Sal O oh ok, do you have to go to school to be legal to work on trucks and equipment? Or does it matter? Cause up here you can work on your own stuff without a license but not change anyone else
H Dog no you can work with out having certificates. Some shops will even hire people with out them but they expect at least minimal shop knowledge
Sal O congratulations I will be enrolling to get my associates in diesel tech
Anybody can fix something. It's diagnosing the cause of the fault were you earn a good reputation!
Sameul Jones
$2.00 to hit it with the hammer
$100 to know where to hit
😂
@DIGITAL SILVER .....most of my jobs were exactly that........a box of parts that use to be something, or a vehicle towed in and half of everything under the hood is missing and in the trunk.
Forgot to mention I just bought an almost mint 98 Jeep XJ because they couldn't diagnose the issue of it not running....all they did was throw parts into it until they ran out of money.
All I did was put a new battery in it, squirt gas in the intake and she started, but died. You couldn't hear the fuel pump running, so the next step was the relay, which they changed, but pushed one of the connectors down in the block.......when jumping the pump circuit the pump came on, but zero fuel pressure in the injector rail, no fuel spilling on the ground and 5 gallons in the tank....
With a new fuel pump I'm now driving a XJ that will soon be lifted and trail ready.
Spot on there
DIGITAL SILVER can’t fix your sentence. It’s broken...🤦🏻♂️
I am as always impressed by your post. I myself have been in this line of work for 32 years. Working for independent shops and fleets and also for myself, ten years of field service. It is a physically demanding career and the mental stress you are under at times no one mentions. Yes we have a shortage of quality diesel mechanics in this country and you are about spot on with the earning potential. To any one interested in this career, do your homework, do quality work, and be proud of your work.
Jameson Barrette thank you for the insight I have a while til I can do this but I need to learn know this helps me get a better knowledge
Do you think there is still a shortage for diesel mechanics?
Every shop where I live is hiring diesel mechanics and automotive mechanics
What’s the most physically demanding part of being a diesel mechanic versus a regular one?
As a apprentice I started out at 17/hr.
As a diesel mechanic I started out at 25/hr.
As a sr diesel mechanic I started out at 31/hr.
As a field technician I'm am making in the high 30s.
I live in central Texas and do not have a high school diploma.
I work on heavy construction equipment.
@TX_Confidential I live in Tx too could you give some tips on how to get into this industry
Sr ? Whats that .. im currently attending uti and im about to start the diesel program
@@angeljuarez1698 find a construction rental bussiness and see if they offer apprenticeship. If you have any experience you should be able to get in the door no problem, if not they might try to get you into doing a lube only position until they think you're ready.
@@shanejzx1002 SR means senior, I can't knock UTI but i can say if you found an apprenticeship job you could've been learning hands on while making decent money. I'm sure you'll see what I mean.
Take that teacha'
I been in north dakota 9 years. All i do is rebuild cat truck engines. Work 3-4 weeks on straight then10 days off. Make 105-110k per year. 80 hour weeks. Free housing, good benis. I travel back and forth to colorado on home time.
Oil field is where the most money and best benefits are at
Kendrix Thomas for diesel mechanics or actually working on the rigs
For diesel mechanics
Benis?
@@hansolofsson6403 benefits
Currently going to school to be a diesel tech/ mechanic, It’s been great so far.
I know some recent graduates that are making $35-40 an hour right outta school.
There’s definitely money to be made.
how long will it take you??
@@ivanmontalco5082 1 year.
what school ?
@@leroyk2373 probably UTI
@John Brennan The mines in my area of WY will easily pay a minimum of $40/hr. for heavy equipment mechanics. I work for Bridger Coal Company in south western Wyoming an our janitors at the mine I work at make $27/hr...The trona mines here pay laborers around $35/hr
.....It all depends on the line of work and the area you live in so depending on where he is at its totally plausible.
Much respect to you. Being a diesel tech is overall a heavy job to do. I was studying to be a diesel tech two years but didn’t succeed becuase of mental health issues. Keep working hard out there!!
My only mental issue is I can’t stop thinking about building engines
Hope you’re better now bro
Similar to what I do. Industrial electrician/ maint tech. You have to constantly study/learn/research to keep up. Troubleshooting is the most valuable skill that pays the most. Alot of guys seem to forget troubleshooting and get to a point where they are comfortable, then coast along.
My advice - whatever you do, always learn as much as possible and ask questions when you meet someone with more knowledge and experience. It will pay off. I am the go to guy where I work. I am the one who has to figure out the problems nobody else can. I research my craft on my time off too. Be the best you can be, you are never too old to stop learning. I have no formal training, just 3 years of vo-tech in hvac, which I did not go into, but I ran with basic electricity, which really interested me. I learn by doing and thinking. I study videos and books, I ask questions still (53 years old) and pay attention to sights, sounds and processes.
Aptitude, attitude and willingness to learn are the most valuable things. I learned to twist wrenches from my dad, and usually do most of my own work (up to and including engine rebuilds). I remember one time I had an oil light coming on at idle in my wife's van, and I was working way too many hours to get to it myself, so I told my wife to take it to the dealer. The service writer actually tried to tell me that the valve cover gaskets needed replacing to keep back pressure in the oil galleries! And then they threw two oil pressure sending units at it on my dime. I finally decided to skip some sleep, and I hooked up an oil pressure gauge myself to verify the pressure in the system. Sure enough, it was the oil pump. I hate when shops hire trained chimps with no logical troubleshooting abilities and waste my money by throwing parts at a problem.
Everyday's a school day! 🚸 👍
I just started helping a mechanic in a shop. No experience at all. Been working for 3 days and we had some nice big clutch overhauls etc. Learning lots and got paid about $600 over past 3 days. I’m excited to learn more and to go study this as a trade one day.
Been in the business for 5 years now, I have busted my ass to learn the trade,I put a lot of work into increasing my knowledge at the house. A lot of people think only about the manual labor it takes to fix the problem, very few ever think about the troubleshooting process. It takes a lot of time and effort to become good at it, and really it is what makes or breaks u in this business.
Very true. When your diagnostic equipment tells you there's no faults & no codes. You have to rely on your experience and familiarity to get the proper diagnosis. Customers don't like to pay for parts they don't think was needed.
That's what I focused on - trying my best to be the man who finds the problem when no one else can, it's the magic key to being top of your game.
I regret it sometimes, when you tackle the problem no one else wants to be involved with but it never feels old when you nail it.
Also I've found you can take your time a bit more, no boss can moan about how long it took you when nobody else could even diagnose it!
Bosses don’t like the parts rack being thrown at it to fix it either lol. There is a lot of “technicians” out there that consider that troubleshooting.
Thats what seperates the men from the parts changers
Been a School bus mechanic for 8 years. We have a very hard time getting qualified people. We don’t pay the most but not bad. we offer full “state” benefits, holidays, sick leave, paid vacation, medical and retirement. Everyone that comes knocking always ask the same question. “How much overtime?” As a family man just tuning 50 and have worked in high production shops. I greatly value working Monday through Friday 8-5. And having a retirement plan. There is more to life then chasing the dollar.
A word of advice to the newbies, protect your ears, eyes and back.
Jason Lessard I got a buddy doing the same thing yup here in Canada he is making 100k a year salary with the full package deal too, i wish I could find something like that but up here they you have to know someone to get the school devision jobs
Cos buses are gay that's the other reason
How do you protect your back?
Giggity Giggity Learn proper lifting techniques. Use a back belt when lifting heavy item. Alway get help with heavy and or awkward objects. A simple back strain can put you out for weeks.
I’m also a school bus mechanic, in NC. Have been working there for 5 years and was a farm mechanic before that. I absolutely agree that there’s nothing to beat the 8-5 hours, no working weekends or holidays and plenty of benefits and family time!
Good mechanics don't get payed enough. Ticks me off paying $130 a hour and the mechanics hardly getting a living wage.
I get paid well. Take that $130 then subtract my pay then shop expenses rent electricity insurance etc. It's not all profhet.
@@stoneyswolf It's great you found a good job and they treat you right!!
When our local tractor dealership got taken over by a big dealership with wall Street money labor rate went from 85 to 130 a hour. But I guess the mechanics did get a $1.10 raise.
Unfortunately from my experience over the years the only way to get a raise its to change jobs. I've found finding decent pay and a good work environment is hard. Starting a new job is tough getting situated but only takes a few weeks usually. I always start high with what I want for pay and Im not honest about how much my current job pays. You say your making 10 they offer 11 you say 30 they offer 30 and so on it's a game in a way. Employers know how much it cost to live it's not a matter of living the high life it's survival.
@Jeffrey Taylor you in California?
Quit that living wage crap! If you can't live as a diesel mechanic you are incompetent. I did it for 20 years . Started out at 7.00 an hour in the 90s . I made plenty of money , I got raises due to competence. I worked the hours I need to learn and make more money. Learn how to be financially competent or renegotiate your wage if you are any good.
I strongly agree that making yourself the most valuable person in the shop makes your future so much better. making yourself irreplaceable I believe is the best thing you can do. I started at $12 an hour, changing oil, grease jobs. now I am lead tech in mainly frieightliner trucks at our work. pay scale has substantially increased to the high 20s at just 3 years in the field. one thing i've learned that makes you most valuable is getting a really good understanding of how electrical works on trucks.
I started almost four years ago, with no experience, no education in diesel, in the shop for a dump truck company. Started at $9.75/hr, spent all my free time studying and learning everything I could (watching your videos has been a big part of that studying). I work for a different trucking company now and make $19/hr. Feels good when I consider what I was making four years ago, but still feels low compared to what I think I should be making doing this kind of work. Just got my class A CDL, and I think I am going to switch to truck driving for a while. My ultimate goal has always been to start a trucking company, which is why I started working on trucks in the first place.
In australia u will get $50 aud ,, in perth bro
All that and only $19? You're getting ripped off lol I'm making $18 at Walmart automotive with no experience and I'm leaving for something better as soon as I get really good.
@@father5946 I wrote that comment almost two years ago, and looking back I definitely do not feel "ripped off". I learned more from from those jobs about the industry that I'm pursuing than I ever could have working in a place like "Walmart Automotive". Last year was my first full year as a truck driver and I grossed just shy of $80k. This year I'm already over $80k on my YTD and on track to end the year somewhere between $120-130k. I just got my DOT numbers and have enough saved, I intend to buy my first truck within the next 6 months (all cash, no financing). If I would have been more focused on finding a job with the highest hourly rate initially, rather than what I could learn from the job, I would most definitely not be at this point today.
@@joeyboland3406 now whats ur hourly rate , whats ur age. !
@@dangerboy1111 I'm 25, and I'm not paid hourly as a truck driver. I'm paid 25% of the total gross income to the truck that I drive.
I made 70k on a slow year and 118k on an ok year. I live in texas.
Wow do you have any knowledge how much the marine industry makes?
broly rcf I suppose you’re talking about the water... I run tugboats on the rivers and whenever there is a problem we can’t fix we have union mechanics that get paid anywhere from 100-150 a hour, (take home) but they don’t work everyday sometimes... but whenever we have a problem that needs sorted out and it takes a couple weeks or more... the take home is more than live able. Depends on what breaks or needs maintenances really
Ben Carrasco, do you work for a dealership, marine or oil and gas? I work for a company in South Carolina. Doing fleet maintenance. I made 72k last year. I had to kill myself to make that kind of money. I'm planning to move to Houston Texas next year. I would like to find a job that pays close to what I'm making now. Point me in the right direction brother.
Mike Johnson There’s a bunch of big companies out here I’m not sure if you should talk to the actual boat companies or the companies we call out when we need fixing. RIO is pretty good and they stay busy so maybe see about them
Mike Johnson if you plan on making big money get a job in odessa, tx. Oilfield money is great down here
I am a Heavy Equipment Technician in southern Ontario, Canada. I've been working in this industry since I was 18 (27 years old now) I passed my journeyman exam when I was 23. I've been a Field Technician for large earth moving company for the past 3 years. I love every second of my day, rain, sleet, snow, blistering hot and freakishly cold. Wouldn't change any aspect of my life other than potentially working for myself one day. I also make roughly 70k a year on average, however if i do lots of overtime in closer to 80k.
Volvo Mack master tech here. Just moved to a new company about 6 months ago and they’ve already made me working foreman and I make over $80k. And I’ve been tasked with jobs others can’t figure out. Example: truck been to 3 separate locations finally bring it to me and I fix it and customer is finally happy. I’m only 36 so still more room to grow
My past experience working in a Freightliner shop when young people get hired who are either actively in tech school or post and they have the misconception that they immediately get a bay assignment and start working on trucks from day one. I'm like nope, you have to build your time just like all the other mechanics working in the shop and your first job as an inexperienced new-hire is in the grease pit performing oil changes. Some of these guys/gals come from these tech schools with a big head and an attitude that they are gods gift to the wrench only to learn later that the real training hasn't yet begun and that applies to big diesel shops and automotive shops alike. Start from the bottom and work your way up.
I'm not even in this industry (Union Plumber) but it's exactly the same way here. Some people come in thinking they get the nice jobs with all the responsibilities. Nope, your job right now is to get me my tools or my material I ask for and learn. Or clean up when I'm done, gotta work your way up and make a name for yourself first.
How was the turnover rate?
I just started diesel school, pretty excited
EvilDrMainstream . . . Did you have any knowledge going into the field or you had no idea of anything
Angel Ortega I just started and didn’t have a idea of how anything works. I’ve never had anyone older give advice I’ve just always knew I wanted to fix things
Next year i'm going to school for a diesel mechanic, I can't wait.
I've always said with this line of work (forklift mechanic myself in the UK) is that what you get out is exactly how much you put in.
If you put the hours in, try to work hard and smart, constantly improve and teach yourself new things (in and outside work - always got my head in a tech manual at home 😂 ) and make yourself indespensible it can be a damn good living.
Not many jobs left like that now.
I think most really technical jobs are like that. I'm in the Army in the US. We had a database administrator here who was retiring, and they had nobody to replace him. He saw some work in Microsoft Excel I did as part of my job (which was unrelated to databases). He asked me where I learned to do that, and I told him I took a year of programming back in high school in the 90's, so I was familiar with the concepts and just needed to use Google to figure out the syntax to create code to do what I needed. He immediately asked for me to be pulled in to be his replacement because he said I had the aptitude and the interest in the subject to do the job. Now I've been here for over a year as the one and only database administrator for my department. In that year I've learned two programming languages and mastered most of the concepts of database administration to the point that I'm building tools that the guy I replaced didn't even think of building, and he has a degree and ten years' experience on me.
Coincidentally, in my spare time, I'm putting in some time now to learn how to rebuild and tune carburetors, and I've done a few engine rebuilds in my driveway at home. I learned how to work on cars from my dad, who's now a teacher at a technical institute for diesel technology after a 40 year career. I've done most of my own mechanic work for the past 15 years in order to keep from spending too much money on car repairs. And a lot of family will come to me for help on things like timing chains, water pumps, wiring harness repairs, etc. A lot of it boils down to aptitude plus willingness to research and learn.
@@MichaelDavis-cy4ok Your a prime example of what I'm talking about, the really good guys put just as much effort into learning outside work as they do while at work! 👍
Thanks for the video - I'm seriously considering switching from automotive repair to diesel while I'm still early in the game. Been working at Pep Boys for 6 months now and I'm not too sure I'll enjoy working on all electric/hybrid cars in the near future (I'm in CA and by next year that's all that will be sold....and diesel will be around for alot longer) So yeah, definitely making this switch soon. A friend's buddy started out at Hertz Industrials with no experience for 18/hr and was making ~30/hr after 2 yrs. I want to get out of CA soon and wouldn't mind living in Alaska in a few years. Appreciate the video.
Why not move to Alaska now, I know multiple places almost constantly hiring mechanics and apprentices.
Great information! Just stepped my foot in the door as a diesel tech working on school buses. Looking to go higher!
Good video. It is hard to determine wages for a area, too many variables, and some people lie about how much they make. Your stats are very good and resonable.
I worked 50+ years as a road mechanic on forklifts, gas, propane, diesel and electric machines , with two big major companies ! I retired at 65 years with two pensions , was a very good career , but being on the road there was weather and working mostly by your self , over time was everyday even the last day I worked ! What do I do with all my tools ? LOL. Nice video, I watch your videos and diesel knowledge it’s fantastic!👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks for the video, I’m 16 and looking to eventually go in to the diesel field and this video was very informative. Thanks!
Here in 2024 to add some more data, in the off chance it helps. I had no experience and no formal education in diesel mechanics. My experience was exclusively as a CDL B driver prior to applying, and I caught a massive hiring wave in 2022.
I started as a Diesel Tech 3 at Penske in 2022 with a base pay of $24/hr + $3 CDL incentive = $27/hr total (no prior mechanic experience). After about six months of really busting my butt and learning as much as I could, I was moved up to a Tech 2 with pay at $27.16/hr + $3 CDL pay = $30.16/hr total. I was first shift, but 2nd also received a $3/hr shift diff.
At Penske, tech 3 usually does tires and PMs. Tech 2 adds in electrical, brakes, wheel seals, DPF cleans, and a variety of other non-diagnostic work. Tech 1 is a lot of diagnostics, transmissions, clutches, radiators, ect.
Not sure if its 100% accurate, but after talking with some of the tech 1 guys...seems they were making $38+/hr before incentives such as CDL/shift diff.
retired diesel mechanic,68 years young, and i am in pain every day due to back problems.
As an aspiring heavy mechanic, aside from the back pain would you go back and change it if you could. Everyone tells me I'll be broken when I'm older but because I'm an ignorant prick the thought of that isn't scaring me.
@@joshhead9368 No. going back and change what i did i enjoyed this field learned through
the years . the thing i would change , is using my brains on lifting ,pulling and so on.
you can make good money ,if you get into the computers field to troubleshoot problems
@@coloradotriker1014 thanks for the advice. I'm beginning to have some hearing problems from working around fighter jets for the last 9 years so I understand the precautionary approach.
Arees Valles you should have some respect fucking dumbass.. I was just like you. But I realized to think before you do something. And I’m 22 i bet you feel like shit already
Arees Valles keep lifting heavy shit and remember to lift with you back and NOT your legs... FUCKING DUMBASS
Great video man. I started out in an automotive shop, working there for 7 years before switching to a diesel shop. I’ve been working on med/heavy trucks now for 5 years and I love it. The pay is great. Just have to be willing to work hard and move up the chain. It’s a great trade to get into. Not a lot of younglings willing to do the work.
Lots of youngings are willing to work, it’s just baby boomers want 10 years experience and a diploma for an entry level position 🙄 don’t try that “young people don’t want to work” bullshit here grandpa.
@@merkel2750But what he's saying is that younger people want to get into jobs that have less manual labor because it's easier and he's not wrong.
@@Busygoon EVERYONE wants to get a job with less manual labor, including me, you’d have to be brain damaged to want to bust your balls everyday for the same money as someone that works 1/2 for the same money.
@@merkel2750 But believe it or not people enjoy staying fit, getting paid to learn, and the aspect of being able to interact and work with your peers at work without staring at a screen all day and damaging your eyes.
It is 2024 is there anyway you could do an update on this subject. I believe this subject is critical to the workforce right now. Thank you.
Ape it's John again and thanks for teaching the kids how we got here. Do your time and it will pay off.
Go to local trade school and work at apprenticeship , we have a shortage of heavy duty mechanics
The Peterbilt trucker Chuck that’s what I’m doing currently. I’m in my second semester of the associates degree program. Can’t wait to get out into the field. I’ve been working nights while going to school to support my wife whose 7 months pregnant. It’ll be nice to actually have money again. Lol
The waste management industry is really hurting, so much so they bumped up the starting pay and there way more lenient. Make no mistake though it's not a job you can dick off at, and its dirty.
I just retired. I put 40yrs as a hvy eqt mech. Great trade, hard work but satisfying. These young kids wantbto go to college but the trades are wide open. Keep reminding these young people that it takes time to learn but worth it
@@Thatoneguy-e2f I worked for waste management and never again, they don't like to spend money fixing junk trucks
Yet no place will hire anyone young or new for more than $12/h
My Autotech professor told me to take a good working environment with constant work for good pay
over
high pay and sluggish work with a bad woro environment.
He was a Diagnosis specialist for Lexus Corp.
Up in Canada, 14 days on 14 off, 165k a year. Nice work/life balance and fairly clean but technical work
What field? I'm in QC and I'm looking to change field
carter240 you talking Fort McMurray? And you have to be a red seal journeyman to work in Canada too if you’re making that kind of money
H Dog yup, most guys up here have a red seal anyway though. However, I worked in Calgary and made the same, just working a regular 5 day week schedule with occasional OT. Cranes paid big time but the market has slowed down a lot since then.
Should also mention I’m dual red seal journeymen for HD and a crane operator. Doesn’t pay any extra but helps make me employable for whatever the economy is doing.
BenDean working on mobile cranes
carter240 you right the more options you have on the Resume the better it is i got my auto and heavy red seal, and was thinking with 14 on and 14 off you had to be in Fort McMurray theses days
I just got a offer letter from TA. I am a professional truck driver too. Great work
I have a interview this week at a Caterpillar dealer here in south Florida. It’s an entry level position field pm tech. I just hope they can match my pay from my current job ( heavy duty truck, trailer, reefer fleet maintenance). I know that I can become more than a PM tech but since I’ll be new to the heavy equipment side I guess I have to start at the bottom and work my way up. Show them what I’m capable of.
I was a transit bus tech for 15 years. UTI trained back in the late 80's. Now days, employers are seeking self trained know it all youngsters. Us old guys aren't really valued or respected for our experience. I went back to driving truck. My middle finger to the industry !
Good knowledge well said hard career at starting I m getting in this field after complete the diesel program from community college. Finally got job offer for entry level tech after trying five different dealership and fleet companies. Your video motivate me alot thanks.
I run my own fabrication and diesel engine shop. I only have a few customers but that is because the 3 have a pretty good sized operation going on. One of the guys is just a broker and the other 2 have excavation and trucking businesses. Enough to keep me and my 3 employees really busy. I'm actually adding onto my shop and looking forward to hiring more. I also have 6 single units that haul sugar beats and potatoes in the fall months and 3 over the road trucks. Working on my 4th over the road truck starting in February if this country survives but I doubt it.
Idaho?
@@dogma7911 Minnesota
I work flat rate and will make around 100k this upcoming year. made 77k last year with about 4 months at low pay prior to max pay
Ok, attended county vocational/technical school in diesel/truck repair, 4hrs a day
my junior & senior year in high school. Last semester of my senior year participated in a co-op program
where I worked at a truck shop instead of classes. When I graduated in June of 1978, I clocked in the next day at $10/hr., which in 2020 dollars is about $40/hr. After 5yrs. working on trucks, I moved to forklifts for the next 13 years, ending at $20/hr. I enjoyed the work the whole time, which makes a huge difference.
I work at a company that has there own fleet. I work in a shop and I love it there are something different everyday. Iam self taught and picked up from older hands passing down there experience. I make enough to raise my family of three. Thank you for your advice and videos they have been helpful.
I went through diesel school back in 99 and 00. Started working in a shop but it was only 11 dollars a hour and they wanted me too work at night. But then they were hiring truck drivers and that paid 13 an hour and it was day shift. Now eighteen years later I'm still driving truck hauling hazmat now home every day and making great money.
$13 an hour for a truck driver? There must be a typo.
@@azeezsalvador2361 that was 20 years ago
The company that hired me helped me get my cdl with no strings attached like having to work for them for a few years. And it was my first driving job. And the guys that were doing it for 10-20 years were only making 14 an hour. Still made nearly 60k a year my second year out of high school. Things were different back then
I dont think an experienced diesel mechanic should make under $30.00 per hour. There is far too much at stake and so much certification snd training required to earn less than that amount.
GREAT VID AND GREAT ADVICE!
MY WAY UP WAS IN THE RAILROAD APPRENTICESHIP
ROUTE! MY CRAFT WAS MACHINIST.
ALTHOUGH I WAS A MACHINIST,
I ALSO SOUGHT TO LEARN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ON THE ELECTRICAL END OF LOCOMOTIVES AS POSSIBLE!
THE RAIL ROADS HAVE A GREAT COMPENSATION PACKAGE
UNION , AND GREAT RETIREMENT BENEFITS COMPARED TO SOCIAL SECURITY JOBS IN THE REST OF THE WORLD!
BUT YOU ARE TOTALLY RIGHT IN LEARNING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE! ANY THING YOU CAN LEARN ABOUT ANYTHING FOR FREE IS A SUPER THING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF!
I HAD A GREAT 30 YEAR CARREER AND YES WOULD DO AGAIN!
THE ONLY CHANGE WOULD HAVE BEEN TO GO THERE WHEN I GOT OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL!
Oil field and mining both are economy dependent. Pays good for a while then the oil company gets bought out and closed or the mine closes until the copper/gold price goes up. Done both . even worked underground.
Good mechanics are like unicorns, a shop is lucky if they find one. You can't just jump in and all the sudden you are amazing, takes years of experience and motivation to gain value in the field just like every other trade. If you stick it out you can make some good cash and enjoy back problems like the rest of us.
I'm 27 and finished my trade cert at 24. Not long in the trade yes but I have good social skills and know how to deal with people,this has seen me promoted to foreman in a workshop of 12 guys.
I operate a horizontal drill for about 6 years now, it has a John Deere 4045 turbo and I have learn so much about diesel now that I been thinking about going to school to be a diesel mechanic, but the only thing stopping me is when I look at the the blue sky and a beautiful day.
Hey man! Really like this channel. You should do a Q&A.
I am a field service tech for a major engine manufacturer in California. I have 24 years in the industry, 13 years at my current job and 5 years on the road. Pay is in the mid 40s/hour and I get all the OT I can handle. I can pull 60 hour weeks almost every week.
My gross earnings have been well over $100k for the past 7 years.
One thing Ape did not bring up was opportunities for side work are everywhere. Prior to working at my current job, I worked for a truck dealership and did side jobs on the weekends. Pulling a couple grand in cash from side work over a weekend was easy. I had all the side work I could handle. And I focused it solely on engine work. I turned down clutch jobs. I turned down brake jobs. Tune ups were $150 each. Head gasket jobs were $750ish. Overhauls $1500. Give me two N-14/855 overhauls and a six pack of Rockstars and stand back. Those were fun weekends.
You are a badass tech know how to make money .
What company ?? I make 28 a hour for a rental company , I’m 24 years old
Brian Valdez you make pretty good money for your age and experience level.
I’m not giving away what company I work for, but it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. It is not the major engine manufacturer that Adapt Ape works for, so that should narrow things down significantly.
Rail Fan I don’t know lol . I min wage here for
Mechanics is 24 so I don’t make that much over that . I’m a field mechanic and I just wanna get into where I could make the most money
Brian Valdez I’ve never heard of a minimum wage for mechanics. Maybe that’s a Union thing? I’ve never worked Union.
I would still say that for a young guy like yourself, you make decent money.
With that said, when I was you age, I had to make several shop moves to move up in money. Nobody was offering big pay increases to get me to where I thought I should be.
I was also very aggressive about side work. I could easily exceed my normal pay with cash side jobs on the weekends and evenings.
Do side work. Take all the OT you can get. Take advantage of this stuff while you’re still young and able to do it. Move to a new company if your current job won’t lay out a plan to get you where you want to be.
If you're a good tech, making less than 40 an hour is a slap in the face.
Great Video.! I live in Texas Been in the industry for 13 years the last 7 years I made around 108,000 easy... the most I ever made was 147,000 if you put your time in and don't be hot headed in this industry its rewarding...
Do u want to trade school or community college I’m currently in community college for this career
@@jrmob8765 Yes went to a 16mos Trade school program.!
My uncle is a diesel tech in New Mexico for a pipeline company. He's at 62/hr & still gets per diem. Bad thing is having to live out there mon-sat unless you live by the site.
Here in Australia, mining is where the money is. If you work 2/1 (14 days work, 7 days off) FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) as heavy diesel fitter (what industry calls a mechanic) you can make about $65AUD per hour. Works out around $180K per year. Even in Australian dollars, that's a nice figure.
Perth?
He is right about ASE certs..
I passed T1-T8(ASE Heavy Master) and never used the cert in the early two thousands; driving paid more than what local shops wanted to pay; wanted to get Master for fun and challenge. Kind of regret it kind of don't; too much local job BS. I did 3 years at a dealership and made less than a dock worker or company truck driver and there were non stop politics
Great video as always Josh. I just left the automotive field and started in the diesel field. Working on lots of Perkins and CAT right now, some Cummins and International.
Do u regret it?
I'm almost 27 years old and I'm a line lead in a steel foundry making only $30k. Really been thinking about my career lately and this is sounding like a great option as I love cars and mechanical things in general
What? I worked at a Chevy dealership as a lube technician and made 45’000 last year
I'm a fleet mechanic for a power utility company. Last year I grossed over $137,000. That was with a ton of overtime though.
Same here, albeit I had 200 hours of OT for the year and drug in 100K. Gotta love fixing the Altec shit they break.
@@DieselDoc78damn they let you do drugs too?🫡
@@smeshcel3025 they can’t test for brakleen fumes! LOL
@@DieselDoc78 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Diesel mechanics should be making much more money than what they are being paid for the efforts in the aggravations that they have to deal with when you're working on some companies junk trying to keep their overhead expenses to a minimum as well as your pay.
The executives are planning on their vacations on your efforts keep in mind when you are 65 years old and your body is broken down that money you are making does not equivalent two very much considering the medical expenses it's going to cost ,a good diesel mechanic OR technician should be making six figures a year without blinking an eye or sweating the argument
CAT puts a lot of money into their retirement, any money you put into your retirement funds they match it, so if you do 50 they do 50. Benis are good. Pay gets a lot better. You just have to find those jobs.
Just like truck drivers..an industry with higher pay usually means greater depth of penetration.
It’s because they can get these kids like me that will do the same work for less and learn under a master tech.If everyone going into blue collar jobs went to technical schools first and already had the knowledge and experience going into the workforce and KNEW THEIR WORTH we wouldn’t have this problem.
@David Jones Well, I have yet to find where I said you were 25. You do have to be 21 to get a Class A, most companies do not hire under 25. You will need to go to a truck driving school, or, find a company that will train you. Then, usually, you agree to work for that company for an amount of time, or, they will make you pay them back. Swift is the largest company..you hear all kinds of things,..but, if you have 20,000 trucks like they do, the law at averages says they will have more accidents and idiot drivers. Community colleges also offer classes..out west and down south.
If you're unemployed, the state will pay for it...thats how I got my license. I had a Class B from driving a school bus..the experience helped me. Being raised on a farm is useful...backing a farm tractor with a cart or impliment is similar..as is driving and backing a travel trailer or boat.
I would go with Swift...they have many locations for fuel and spend the night...as well as showers. You can also pick if you want to be home more often. They are big...lots of people leave to other carriers...if there is a recession, Swift has a huge presence, lots of contracts to haul. A guaranteed run is repetitive runs from the same route, pay may be less per mile, but it is a steady check. Over the road pays the most, but, can leave you sitting a few hours to a day or more. Refergerator trucks pay the best. But, you have a more urgent schedule...always doable..accidents and breakdowns can be Hell.
I worked for 3 companies over 5.5 years. I ran lease purchase first, didn't understand the ins and outs, and left after 7 months. The next, after a year off, we're folks that had 5 trucks to suppliment their farm. They were wonderful people, but, almost 40k in repairs ruined them. They are fine, but, they kept the trucks separate from the farm.
The 3rd was a smaller company mostly doing supplies for Nissan. They did run too many junk trailers, but bought 100 new trucks in 4 years, replacing the entire fleet...very nice. All majority automotive usually stay busy, and shut down 2 weeks Christmas and 2 weeks in July...because the factory shut down. It gives you a good break.....most have limited runs is you have to work. All of them have lousy or expensive health insurance...like everybody else. I think KLLM, Covenant, Martens, train. Hirshbach and Riehl are supposed to be ok...but, every company has a shit ton of negative reviews. Companies start about .38 a mile, some higher. That changes by companies, too. CA, with truck speed limits at 55, can be tough around San Diego and LA. San Francisco is supposed to be difficult. Chicago, Atlanta, and the Baltimore, DC, Northern Virginia area is horrible...I used to live near there, I know(DC) I've driven through Chicago about 300 times, ATL, 100. If I can give you any more info, I will be happy to help. My driving days, although not that long, are over because of health reasons. I went in for Carpal Tunnel surgery, and ended up disabled and very close to death. Life can stop all your dreams.
@@michaelcook768 😂😂😂😂😂 true
In Australia, I worked in open cut coal mining, made about 140k, even time roster( 6 months a year, less annual leave), great money, but hot long days, even in the shop, often living away from home in a box
mate im 16 thinking about the same kinda future in fifo work. would you recommend it or nah ?
@@jesseroberts5690 do it while your young, once your married with kids it becomes hard on the whole family
one thing to remember ... its a job, not a career , you will be doing the same when your 50 as you where when you where 30 and will be earning around the same amount (+some inflation pay rises)
UNOH is a great School, I went there and I learned a ton. But on the same note it's all what you make of it and I learned more actually in the field but it gives you the foundation of principles to learn on. I have no regrets doing it, other then the student debt...............
Agreed! Went there too and graduated in 2013, now making a little over 100k in Kentucky
What’s your work schedule typically like? I’m currently a maintenance mechanic for a canning company and my work schedule is between 72-84 hours a week during the summer and then 40 hours the rest of the year. Guaranteed weekends off as well and I get to work whatever hours I want mon-Friday as long as I complete the 40. I don’t care about the overtime, but having most weekends off to spend with family is a big deal for me.
As a underground diesel fitter in Australia I get $71 a hour Free food room and return flights to nz 2 week on 2 off but it's taken 35 plus years of work
I like that u just talk with facts unless u state clearly its an opinion
i have been working at a passenger vehicle shop for a tad over 2 years,(i was 15 at the time) starting as a lube and tire tech, then after 6 months i became a b mechanic doing anything from suspension to internal engine work. im very happy making ~14 an hour for still being in highschool.
how did you get started doing this bro id love to do this while still being in highschool
Well said, wierd thing is at least in my experience is ag doesnt pay very well but truck shops and heavy equipment do. John Deere wants $125 an hour but only wants to pay $18 to the tech. Where Deere Comstruction wants $125 an hour and pays techs $28.
Broke Down Junk try $240 up here
@@henryhenry903 Do they spit on it first or how does that work?
Broke Down Junk lol from what I hear it goes in dry lol I went to school with a guy that works for JD and he was complaining about the amount he got compared to the hourly rate, that’s the only reason I know there rate up north
Working for johndeere ag or any agriculture tractor dealer ship pays shit....the AG industry is penny pinching all the time. Construction and transportation equipment is what pays.
I left a Case Dealership only making $15.00/hr after 2 years. 3 years of previous experience on semis and school buses and countless training and certifications. Needless to say I chose a new career field where it's not as hard on your body and making more money. 24 going on 25 years old and I already feel like an old man. Especially with tinnitus in my left ear.
Great video as always, Josh!
a good mechanic / tech is worth their weight in gold. Troubleshooting skills are rare
I work in northern Canada . You couldn't pay me enough to be out wrenching in -30 . I have the utmost respect for those mechanics who do .
I wouldn't have a paycheck without them .
Been a diesel tech since 2003 and now I’m making really good money but he’s right I’m stuck in the industry I make to much money to quit but sometimes I want to because sometimes it sucks to get all the work…. I’m in a fleet so yea I get stuck with all the work while other guys regen all day smh….. and well with the years of experience and over time comes injuries and the wear down of your body I have had both hands fixed due to carpal tunnel….
Here in Florida it seems to cap around 33/hour. I do my own mobile and bill in at 125 an hour which affords my family a decent living and allows me to put money back for things like retirement etc
I didn't have formal education in the Diesel technology. I started from the bottom. I became a tech in 2007, starting at $21. 16 yrs later, I'm making $40 hr. It helped, I was union member. I worked in the Rental/ leasing field. I'm considered a intermediate tech. Depends on where you live, and your experience you could make pretty gd money depending on your company. Experience helps.
I am frome dominican republic i looking for jobs to diésel mechanic
After serving my time on trucks for a Large Manchester haulier I was getting 7shillings and 6 pence an hour in 1965 which equaled £15-00 a week for 40 hours which I doubled by working 7days a week 50 weeks a year. For that we worked in an old stable in Ardwick with a cobbled floor, to change engines we had to push the truck away from the engine because we couldn't push the engine crane along that floor, when putting the replacement engine in which I had overhauled from another truck the yard staff were loading the truck ready for going to London that night. It's a bit different today with heated workshops with pits and Lorry lifts to make the work a lot easier and we actually thought we were well off.
Yeah but you could afford a house with 1 salary while your wife was at home. Now we can barely afford one on 2 salary's. I know what I would prefer.
up to 5k a week. So about a third to half as much as a doctor with a basic specialty. Owners can earn several million a year. Thats the high end. Low end. 25 an hour.
Went to a 16 week program offered free through the job. Came in as a junior mechanic and made General Mechanic within a year. Time and a Half, Double Time, And Triple Time For holidays resulted in 60k my first year, ~95k my Second, and ~75 My Third(I Chose Not To Do As Much OT).
Theres guys that practically live here and making 120k+. But that is wear and tear on the body for those that's doing doing that.
My somewhat heavy year (Not Max Effort OT) I save some loot and invested elseswhere because while I like seeing $1700+ weekly check, having some $ come in that's passive is even better.
Dirt washes off. If you not safe things could go wrong very wrong.
Being able to finance on your own damn near whatever you need for you and your family is a fantastic feeling.
worked for 3 years as plant mechanic in Australia good money but you work hard for it. I personally hated it and ending up changing jobs.
Hey I’m pretty young and am very interested in the field I appreciate your videos they really help. Thanks.
I work as a mechanic in a mine in Ontario Canada, everything is provided tools, coveralls etc.. we get $37.35. Lots of OT available.. it’s all underground. So not too bad just really hot depends on where you go..we shut it down at 40c/104 f.
y2kxj Are you talking about the goderich salt mine?
preston kerr Vale mine around sudbury.. we are hiring ...
y2kxj oh I’m only 15 min away from the goderich mine. Sudbury is a few hours north
104°f typical day in t Texas, Arizona, and southern California .
Retired from a large hospital/research center that had 18 Cat generators most were 2 megawatt generators. Company gave us great service. They often had to come out late in the afternoon and stay past midnight to get diesel engine running. $46 grand a year not enough for theses workers.
I made $22hr TOPS in Michigan with certs...Moved to Alabama and within 2 weeks I'm making $40/hr to care for HUGE trucking accounts 24/7...if I put into 40 hrs a week shop time I'm at $76k...I aswell run service calls that boost me upto nearly $120/hr. If I change a radiator that pays for 6hrs and I do it in 3, I get paid for that 6.
Very well explained and this is a fit for many industries, I do work for CAT but as a field tech as a support channel for their business. I/O field tech basically.
been a general auto mechanic for 11 years started @ 18yr old now 33 no a.s.e started as a lube tech worked my way up have learned from anyone I can @ every shop I have worked for now making $47.50 hourly @ busy independent shop. right place right time.
Here in Australia Heavy Diesel Fitters in the mines earn around AU$160 000 per annum which is roughly US$115 000 on a week on week off roster with 4 weeks annual leave plus sick leave entitlements. Most mines bring fly in fly out FIFO flights paid for and some being drive in drive out DIDO. It's a big deal being a diesel fitter down under
I know it’s an old post. I personally spent 22 years working on highway trucks. It was good but had to work a lot of overtime to make good money. I got really bored of them I had enough. Switch to Offroad five years ago. I work for a mining company and I’m home every night I work a lot of overtime and make a lot more money than I ever did . love every day working on the off-road equipment it’s new in exciting
90k-100k on road
100k +++ off road. Before Canadian Texas lol
Dont know about other areas but here in WY in my area your looking at a minimum of $40/hr. I work 12 hr shifts 4 days on and 4 days off with as much OT as you want. Can easily make 100k a year.
I’m an electrician but this trade seems pretty fun too!
Nothing fun about it been in this business 40 years don't fool your self
I have been watching your videos your worth every penny and more for your skills witch are really good 👍
I started working at kenworth or central Florida as a tech when I was 16 and I was making 12 an hour I’ve been there 2 years now and I’m about to go full time, I’ve had a raise in that time and I’m about done with high school so my service manager said since I’ve been in the field two years he isn’t going to have me go to school to get certified but he is going to get me industry certified. Only 2 more months and I’ll be full time.
Man has to work, do the BEST job with your GOD given abilities regardless of what you do.
Work on cocrete trucks in Texas , 2 years in making $63,000
i live in ontario , did my apprenticeship right out of high school and got lisenced, 310t, when i was 20 years old, did it until i was 37,and got out of it, basically because the pay is not enough, its fine if ur a bachelor but i am married with 3 kids and it just paid the bills not much extra,in my area the highest rate an hour at dealers is 35-36 canadien an hour at best, so i bought a truck , an older 379 i can easily work on myself, and bin drivin evere since, leave sunday monday back thursday early friday, it sucks leaving the family but i can provide for them way better, i dont run crazy and make 4 times what i did in a shop, i pull hazmat tankers and the change in scenery was something good also! but i do enjoy working on my own stuff now also!
I made a good living in an underground mine. Always annoyed me how a shop charges over $100/hr no matter who is doing the work then pay a new guy $12 and top pay guy $25. In my area when I still working for shops. Who you want working on your equipment??
Just got an entry level position starting at 30 hourly. 25 an hourly plus 2.50 for shift premium plus 2.50 for having my cdl. Looking forward to the income lol
I hate diesel work. It's messy smelly and heavy. I do auto light medium truck repair. Make 80-85k a year in a mom and pop shop. The owner his son and the owners dad hangs out sometimes. Easy work easy hours that's how I like it.
Retrogamer1010 true
mean while the place where i live pay 400USD monthly ,doesnt matter work inhouse or the field
The local school system where I live pays diesel mechanics $40+/hr to work on the school buses. Pretty good money!
Not mentioned is the airline industry. Even though it's hurting right now there's plenty of jet tractors, cranes,bag tugs, cargo tugs,trucks etc. Great hourly pay,benefits and work conditions. Also not mentioned is city transit buses and other vehicles . I've worked both and no complaints.
Holy shit man ,im a comms tech in Australia and triple your figure, thats not bragging just putting it perspective, you blokes work hard and long hours at a tuff job , you deserve alot more money for your hard work, and like some of the comments say , the older mechanics have back pain and ailments, it's a tuff gig and i feel for you's , deisel mechanics in the mines here are up around 200k a year, maybe move over here lol
200k australian? that is the same as 130k USD which is about what I make... and i don't work in a mine... i work the same hours every day for a dealership 5 miles from home...
I am diesel tech for an equipment rental company in the permian basin in Texas we only service the oilfield i have 3 years experience going on 4 and i make low 30s an hour being a field tech, if you work directly for the oil field or do Nat gas compressors you can make way more than that, but even just doing rentals out here ive seen guys with 5+ years hit 40 plus an hour. One thing i like about diesel is all the different options one draw back is everyone typically hires on experience based on the type of equipment they run ie if you apply for a job doing earthmoving equipment but only have ever worked on trucks then they typically will look for someone with experience on their paticular equipment, with overtime which fluctuates i make 100k+ i try tp hit 70 to 100hrs per week, i started sweeping floors basically and worked my way up without going to school but yea i only made 15 bucks an hour starting out. My dream is to get on with CAT one day and become a certified CAT master tech