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Re:Ford can't find mechanics for $120K: It takes math to lea... by 1v1id on Tuesday November 18, 2025 @07:22PM (#45974179)
I'm no expert, but from a quick Google search that looks to be twice the median income for a mechanic. If they can't find workers at that income level, it seems to me that they are either filtering based on another criteria (more than just trade school, as the article suggests) or Ford must be such an awful place to work that nobody applies.
Re:Ford can't find mechanics for $120K: It takes math to lea... by MillironX on Tuesday November 18, 2025 @07:41PM (#45974343)
Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the mean annual wage of "Automotive Technicians and Repairers (SOC code 49-3020)" is $55,780 as of May 2025, so yeah, something doesn't add up.
Re:Ford can't find mechanics for $120K: It takes math to lea... by Balgair on Tuesday November 18, 2025 @11:01PM (#45975715)
It's very state dependent.

For example, by law in California, auto mechanics make double minimum wage if they don't own their tools (so they can go buy some). That works out to about $68k/yr these days.

$120k/yr is not suuuuuper crazy in some areas for some auto work (think restoration). But generally, yes, Ford is not adding up here

Re:Ford can't find mechanics for $120K: It takes math to lea... by gilbetron on Wednesday November 19, 2025 @08:17AM (#45979199)
> auto mechanics make double minimum wage if they don't own their tools (so they can go buy some)

I think you have that backwards:

"Typically, in California, if your employer wants you to provide and maintain your own work tools, they must pay you at least double the minimum wage. This means that in 2025, with California’s minimum wage at $16.50 per hour, your employer must pay you at least $33.00 per hour before they can require you to supply your own tools."

Auto mechanics make double minimum wage if the do own their own tools.

Re:Ford can't find mechanics for $120K: It takes math to lea... by Balgair on Wednesday November 19, 2025 @01:33PM (#45983166)
Ah, yes, you got me there. I typed that out well before my first cup this morning. Thank you for the correction!