Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 1 ∣ Career Opportunities 3 skills for diagnosis, and there is a great deal of satisfaction in returning a once broken vehicle back to the owner in proper operating condition. There is also the advantage of being more active while on the job, both physically and mentally, than in most other jobs. Employer Options The automotive service industry offers a wide choice of employers. As an automotive technician, you may work for several types of employers during your career including new-vehicle dealerships, used-vehicle service centers, chain-owned auto service shops, government agencies, and independent auto repair shops. Some auto- motive technicians transition to servicing related equip- ment such as heavy trucks, tractor-trailers, construction equipment, marine engines, motorcycles, farm equip- ment, and small engines. Most employers pay competitive wages and furnish work uniforms, basic supplies, and some shop equip- ment. Technicians are typically required to have their own set of quality hand tools for repair work. There are differences in pay scales, work procedures, and other working conditions between various types of employers, Figure 1-2. The required qualifications for getting a job also vary between different types of employers. Online research and a visit to the repair facility can provide additional information on a potential automotive service employer. Income Automotive technician earnings are in line with the earnings of individuals employed in other skilled trades and technical jobs but can differ based on a number of different vari- ables. Pay can be based on an hourly wage, a commission system, or a flat-rate system. Under the wage system, the technician is paid by the number of hours he or she is actu- ally at the shop, no matter what the workload. Pay for the technician is steady during both the slowest times and the busiest times at the shop. Under the commission system, the technician is paid based on an agreed percentage (with the employer) of the repair cost for each repair he or she successfully completes. For example, if the technician earns a 60% commission, a $400 repair would produce a $240 commission for the technician. Under the flat-rate system, auto repair operations are assigned an estimated time limit for completion, which is called the flat rate. The flat rate is then multiplied by the hourly rate of the technician who completed the job to calculate what the technician is paid for completing the job. The amount the technician is paid each day depends on the type of work that comes in and how fast he or she can complete it. Regardless if a techni- cian finishes a repair ahead of the flat-rate specified time or if he or she requires additional time to complete the service, the technician’s pay is calculated from the repair’s flat-rate time. Because the rates for various jobs are fixed, a skilled, motivated, and efficient techni- cian will be able to complete more jobs in one day and, as a result, earn more money than an unskilled and unmotivated technician. Many auto repair shops pay by a combination of an hourly wage and commission, and most offer a package of benefits, such as paid insurance, vacation time, and a pension, 401k, or profit sharing setup. Wages, commissions, and benefits are often competitive between shops in the same area. Self-Employment Many people dream of going into business for themselves. An individual who takes the risk to open and operate his or her own business is called an entrepreneur. Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock.com Figure 1-2. Working as a fleet technician for a government agency like the United States Postal Service has its own work procedures and conditions different from other auto service employers.