How much does a automotive mechanic make in Ontario

Question

I'm thinking of becoming a mechanic and i want to know how much they make, thinking of 2 years college and 2 years apprenticeship

I'm also wondering what ASE certification stands for

Answer 1

I grew up in a family run garage business and have been a licenced mechanic for 25 years. I got out of the trade a long time ago and haven't looked back once! When I was in the trade, we FIXED things! We didn't just replace parts! I used to rebuild carburetors and take apart alternators to change the rectifier bridge inside...We were truly automotive repair technicians. I even (gasp!) used to rebuild motors!

Unfortunately, the business has changed. If you are willing to sell parts and lots of them, you can make a decent living in the trade, but it certainly isn't what it once was. When I was finishing my last year of trade school, there was over 50% of the students I was there with that were already out of the trade and just finishing up because of the huge investment of time and money they spent getting that far.

With  some exceptions most mechanics don't get retirement pension plans from their employers so you better plan to invest in lots of RRSP's or whatever. You have to buy your own tools, shops do not provide them...There's a wheelbarrow full of money right there! When you reach retirement age, your back is screwed your hands are scarred and arthritic, your lungs are full of c**p. Sorry! Am I giving you the impression I wouldn't do it again if I had the chance? Believe me I wouldn't!

It's a profession that is starving for good people...it's too bad that it doesn't reward them accordingly.

Answer 2

$8.00 stinking bucks a stinking hour