Mike Rowe: This is the year the other shoe drops

There is another meaning for the word “Mechanic” outside of its normal context..

perhaps we need more of “those type mechanics” …

I was a milkman, or milk route salesman, with a national branded dairy. I got a cdl right out of high school and that helped me land a job at the dairy driving commercial milk delivery trucks. I worked 10 to 12 hours a day. I always made great pay over the 25 years i was in the business. You have to roll up your sleeves and get after it, but when I retired in 2015, my annual pay exceeded $75k per year. You just have to be willing to bust your butt and not be afraid to work.

My oldest son chose the trades over college nearly 25 years ago. He earns a 6 figure base salary plus OT, vacation, insurance, investment plan, company truck, etc. His wife wanted tp stay home with their kids. She can do that because of his salary + bonus income. They've bought several fixer uppers for homes. Their latest is a 4 bdrm 2 bth on nearly an acre in a very quiet neighboorhood with fruit trees and gardens. He has what they used call WTW; the Will To Work. When the company needs help, he volunteers (with OT of course). When a new system is being delivered he studies the manuals before the first unit is available so he's always the top ranked tech in the training classes. And in his 'spare time' he continues to repair and upgrade their latest house. Couldn't be prouder of him.

After seeing how Toyota dealerships treat their managers and mechanics, it's a wonder they can keep the doors open.

They don't want to be mechanics, because they might get dirty.

Government more concerned with fast food workers than tradesman

Biden is anti-American. As the drones continue to appear with no action from Biden, you’re witnessing yet another of his failures—just like Kamala Harris, who is still trying to figure out the root causes of the open borders

I've been turning wrenches for 35 years and I'm making $75K a year and I still here the "ew" from people when they hear I'm a diesel engine tech. if your gonna be a wrench get into heavy/special equipment. Generators, water pumps, light towers, stand alone hydraulic power units. anything with a diesel engine powering it and you'll have work forever. PS. don't be afraid of electrical.

When I was young, shop classes wood metal plastics Graphic arts electric horticulture all began in the 7th grade which showed kids interesting and fun things to do at a early age. Then High School added Autp shop which I loved! Today, most of this does not exist but everybody has a cell phone that occupies a huge percentage of their life. Much of College today can be useless. The trades can be very lucrative and big companies need people trained in metal work welding etc.

What an out of touch response from the host, glorifying a job that has issues that make good mechanics quit. It's late stage capitalism ruining everything. Nothing is safe, no sector immune.

Mike Rowe is awesome! I wish he could get the ear of Washington. Maybe soon...

Independent vehicle repair shops are vanishing because they can’t keep up with the technology changes.

Can we hear from an ACTUAL MECHANIC

Been doing HVAC/Sheet metal mechanic for almost 40 years now.i love Mike and his position on trade work.but he never talks about the cons or bad side of it.
The toll it takes on our bodies is horrible.i live in pain everyday from my work.if i had kids i would steer them away from trade work.
There is a huge shortage of workers but my view of it is this.our kids have seen the toll of our work has had on our bodies and say no way I want to end up like this and personally i can’t blame them.this is the reason of the shortage and second the pay

It's great that the guy offers something like a journeyman's program but his is a very isolated case, most shops aren't going to take the time when they're busy as is. The most glaring problem is how ludicrously expensive it is to keep a shop open or keep tools in stock, nevermind running one daily, another is that vehicles these days are becoming more computer than anything and that means someone in your shop having certain degrees with pay to match it. The industry hasn't caught up to auto manufacturers and EPA regulations, the gap widens by the day.

Most Mechanics are crooks and Incompetent..An Honest Competent Mechanic is as rare as an Honest Competent Politican.

Mike gets it. The Ivy League gender studies cowards don't...

Need to have that "right to repair" law in effect. And aftermarket parts available.

A four year degree will cost you six figures also i dont support the teachers union they hurt this country when covid hit.

having a good mechanic is right up there with having a good doctor.

Drop, is an interesting perspective when it looks prime for "Planting the Boot", so to say...

China is offering $16k robots.

Pay them more…..

Dont be a auto mechanic your under paid over worked tools are expensive yes some guys do make 100k but how long did they take to get there and how much money did they invest in tools its not worth it ladys and gentlemen do another trade

I went. To school for two years in mid 70s for auto mechanics and thought it’s not for me and glad I didn’t take that up a boy I went with stayed with it makes good money but goes to school every year for the new tech

The pendulum is starting back!!! Loving it. Can't educate. Got to indoctrinate!

I graduated highschool in 1972, took to years community college in Auto mechanic,then 1 year welding . couple certification's, one more year machine tools. I have never been out of work! I have always had more work than i could do. I have been retired for 8 years , and still turn away more work than i want to do. Worked long hours in the summer and school breaks, honing by skills. Made enough money to pay my way, didn't have any debt. I would do it again !!!!

Just like being a Truck Driver?

Lol. It's an honorable profession until it's your back getting broke and you not getting the pay raise, and it's your wife screaming, threatening to leave because she wants more. She's only going to take your kids and half your assets, but at least you have that honorable job...

Big problem is the pay. I got out of Auto Repair in 1996. I was making $15/ hour. Shop Labor rates were $45-50/ hour. Today Shop rates are $175- 250/ hr and they are paying $25-30/ hour. Tools are 3-4 times priced what they were in the 90s.

You are not helping anyone misrepresenting the take home pay for trade work. The dogma and cultural stigma is directly represented in the pay. And it’s not enough to survive.

As a heavy equipment mechanic I can tell you the amount of money that a mechanic spends on his/her own tools is ridiculous. In the end you pay as much for your tools as a person who went to college.

in the 60s at a new car dealership it was typical dealership got half tech got half of the gross shop labor.

It is the chappies pay for what you do job out there. Glad I left

As someone with 15 years of experience in the mechanic industry, I see several key issues that need to be addressed.

First, mechanics are often overworked and underpaid, leading to burnout and making it harder to retain skilled workers. Adding to the challenge is the low quality of many replacement parts. It’s not uncommon for parts to fail shortly after installation or even arrive defective straight out of the box. This creates unhappy customers and frustrates mechanics, making the job even more difficult.

Another issue is how customers often come into the shop already upset because their car is broken. When we explain that a small, inexpensive repair would have been possible if the right part were available—but instead, we have to replace a much larger, costlier assembly—they feel blindsided. This increases repair costs and time, leaving everyone frustrated.

On top of these challenges, diagnosing and repairing new cars has become far more complex. Today’s vehicles are so advanced that properly diagnosing an issue often requires knowledge equivalent to a two-year computer science degree. Mechanics aren’t just “gearheads” anymore—they’re intelligent and passionate professionals who combine hands-on skills with technical expertise. Unfortunately, there’s still a stigma that mechanics are “dumb” or unskilled, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Many work in this industry because they’re passionate about cars, not because it’s an easy job.

That said, there’s another side to this issue. Many shops are so focused on profitability and minimizing time spent on diagnostics that they push mechanics to simply throw parts at a problem rather than thoroughly troubleshoot. This approach, often called “parts-chasing,” happens because proper diagnostics can eat into profits, so it’s quicker and cheaper to guess and hope the car doesn’t come back. This cycle damages trust between customers and shops and further undermines the industry’s reputation.

Furthermore, the “Right to Repair” movement is a critical issue that needs more attention, as it directly affects the challenges mechanics and consumers face. Automakers and manufacturers have increasingly locked down access to diagnostic tools, software, and repair manuals, making it nearly impossible for independent mechanics or even car owners to service their vehicles properly. Some systems are so proprietary that only authorized dealers have the equipment to diagnose and repair them, leaving customers with no choice but to pay premium prices for repairs. This lack of accessibility not only drives up costs but also stifles competition, making it harder for smaller, independent shops to survive.

This issue doesn’t stop at cars; it extends into every industry, from electronics to agriculture. Farmers face similar problems with tractors that require proprietary software to repair, and consumers experience it with smartphones and other electronics where parts and tools are restricted. The Right to Repair is about more than fixing things—it’s about fairness, affordability, and sustainability. Allowing consumers and independent professionals access to the tools and resources they need to repair their equipment would reduce costs, extend the lifespan of products, and help cut down on waste.

By bringing this issue into the spotlight, we can work toward a system where mechanics and consumers alike are empowered to make repairs affordable and accessible. Addressing these challenges—improving access to parts, supporting proper diagnostics, and recognizing the intelligence and dedication of mechanics—could lead to a stronger, more trustworthy repair industry and benefit everyone involved.

Yeah, well, you can't abort 72,000,000 people and the children they might have had since 1972 and it's not going to show up somewhere down the line.

Could you imagine having to do General motors and Ford warranty work all week long ? You would wind up owing the company money on Friday ... 😂

Because vehicles are designed by people without much thought for servicing them. Most repairs require 15+ steps just to get to the actual problem. If it’s serviceable at all. The vehicles aren’t built to last or be serviced. Plus it costs so much to have them repaired that people are no longer thankful you fixed their car. You better fix their car or else for what they are charged. Who wants to be in that environment 40hrs a week?

Its hard work that is always changing. And the pay is cheap for the work that is done

😂It doesn’t pay enough!

Might have something to do with stupid people designing things that are far to difficult to fix

F america. Im a legal Hispanic in this country and i how to god they deport me.

How about these electric hybrids. Who in the heck is going to work on them? The technology on homes and cars is beyond what the average consumer market will support.

I guess someone is making money. I know every shop Ive been to charges $150/hr for labor. If the mechanic gets $50/hr and works 40 hrs a week, thats just over $100k. Problem is, none of the mechanics Ive talked to, or know, make that much.

They’ve been calling a mechanic shortage for 50 years. Few stay in because it is so stressful and difficult

Back in 1989. i wanted to work as a mechanic. NOBODY wanted to give me a chance. Today in 2024, I been using my automotive school training from 1989 for personal use! Been working on my own cars SINCE.

Education above all is politically correct, because politicians control public education. To allow choice results in un-equal outcomes by race or gender. The worst sin of all! according to todays "popular" culture. The only way to avoid the stigma of racism and sexism is to push everyone towards college in public education. Schools that have disparity by race or gender are repremanded and threatened, by the education governing boards. Our school used to have two tracts, college bound and not. We were forced to drop the college bound alternatives because they were racist. Now we force all students into classes they hate, and do not (currently) have the desire or ability for. This is why there is a shortage of teachers, it simply is no fun to try and force learning into a kid who has no motivation, no desire, and a bad attitude. However, teaching is not all bad, because, teaching those who want to learn, and appreciate the teachers guidance and help is one of the most fullfilling task a person could have.

We’re going electric and driverless in like 10 minutes.. so anyone foolish enough to get into car mechanics deserve their fate.. here’s an idea why don’t you work on it yourself!

It just seems most management in garages, shops dealerships, ect are horrific most I've met really have no business being around people at all, let alone manage them

As someone that has worked in the automotive field as a mechanic, service writer, and parts sales I am glad I can work on my own cars.