Average pay?

[trogdorman]

ok im just wondering what the average pay is to be a BMW tech, ive seen so many numbers i just want to know what it really is and how fast/slow you move up in pay.. I will be attending UTI in Aug and am hoping to get into STEP.after that what kind of pay can i expect? and how would it go up if i stay at the same dealer for 5 10 20 so on amount of years?:help

[kellie]

There are so many variables here. Are you looking for annual income or hourly rate? Hourly rate is dependent on experience, efficiency, cost of living, etc. Annual income is dependent on workflow and the efficiency of the technician. I'd say a STEP educated tech can make anywhere from $20k-90k per year before taxes. It's a broad range, you can expect to fall somewhere in the middle unless you're VERY fast and VERY efficient.

I'd say on average, STEP grads start at anywhere from $15-20 per hour, but it depends on the dealership. You can negotiate reviews and raises when you discuss hiring with the manager of the dealership of your choice. You will be coached on how to approach the subject when you're in STEP.

I wouldn't count on getting numerous offers with incentives and bonuses. Perhaps by the time you graduate, things will have changed, but times are tough right now. Especially in this industry. I just reached the one-year mark at my current dealership and I wouldn't even think of asking for a review. I don't mean to be all doom and gloom, I just don't want anyone to have unrealistic expectations.

[nickdrivesm3]

To give you a broad idea of what you COULD make, I believe I have averaged around 45-55k over the past 3 years. It really varies because during those times I've gotten small raises here and there, and due to the flow of work. Its quite possible, if you work hard, to make over 75k a year. However, the techs that do this at my dealership have a good work routine and god habits. They often stay late to finish cars in order to take on more the next day. Theres a lot of strategy involved when working in this field.

[Placey]

It varies a lot between dealerships and work load. Initially I was working at a dealer and bringing home 1500/week, over the next few months work load got light and I was bringing home half that. That year, being my first year out of STEP, i brought in over 70
however, due to other circumstances (long commutes and stress) i chose to take a pay cut and have made approx 60-65

[killcrap]

as everyone has said it varies. Ive worked at different places. $16hr for 6 months, then $22hr. then every year a $1-2 raise, until you are at top pay which was $28. No-Guarantee This shop is non Union, labor rate was $145. Annual income 55K @ 24HR Avg book hours per week 70



Another was $13.50-18.00 apprentice for 2-3years, then for Journeyman $30.85 for weekday workers(M-THUR 7am-6pm) $31.85(WED-SAT) plus $1.00 for every hour you book above 40hours. Plus another $1.00 for working on e65 vehicles. Union Dues $400 initiation fee, ~$40 a week for union dues. 32hr Guarantee Union Shop. Labor rate $125.00 This shop is Slow, and provides a guarantee for workers who do not book many hours. If you work hard, you can book 80hrs a week here because the mentality of some workers do not want to work, because they are guaranteed a paycheck for 32hrs. 3 Month Income $30,000@ $33.85hr Avg Book week 80hr



Another Shop $13-20 for Step Grad, then it could take up to 2-5 years to be put on the line. Then $30 for m-f week, and $31 for saturday workers. Non-Union shop with Union Benefits. guarantee rate 34hr This shop is also slow, but still at 7 Months Income $60,000@$hr31 Avg Book week 85hr

[mybmwisallst0ck]

sign me up..

[bowmang]

sign me up..

you've gotta do that part yourself...

:D

[dophineh]

you don't want your paying going up too much, because then you get laid off because newbies cost less

[bowmang]

you don't want your paying going up too much, because then you get laid off because newbies cost less


as long as you keep yourself a whole lot more usefull than those newbies.... things should be ok

[momostep47]

New England Area Pay is anywhere from $18-$21....first couple of yrs ranging in anywhere from 40k-65k.....also where i am at im still hourly and kinda helps when there is overtime as they pay time and half for anything over 40hrs....but not all places do this......i should be going flat rate soon though as im getting close to my year mark.

[Mpowered02]

As everyone else has already said, there are SO many variables to working in this field. The faster, more efficiently, and smarter you work, the better off you'll be. When I graduated STEP, I started at my hiring dealership and agreed on contract (a 5 year one none-the-less!!!) at $20/hr hourly for 3 months with the pay jumping to $28/hr flat-rate when I went "on the line" after 3 months. A month in, all the flat-rate techs got a $2/hr raise, but that didn't apply to the hourly guys (like myself:(). When I actually went on the line 2 month later, somehow that $2/hr raise still got applied to me and my official pay when I went on the line jumped to $30/hr. Sounds great, right?
Well, not when there's no work and you're getting screwed in hours by the people that have been there longer or are track buddies with the foreman, etc. Not when you're working friggin 7AM to 8-9PM and only flagging an avg of 65hrs a pay period. Not when every day is a miserable, stressful work day under crappy management who could care less about how well their workforce is doing, and ONLY care about the bottom line and about the dealership achieving Center of Excellence status. Not when the Service Director treats his people like complete dog s**t and talks down to people and is quick to send people home for a week, no pay, for mistakes, etc. That, my friends...is working in HELL (yes, i'm being a little over-dramatic here but you get my point:D)

That first year, before taxes I made a little over $60K. Not great for living in the LA Area. I have since grabbed the bull by the horns, broke my contract with my original dealership (South Bay BMW), and am MUCH happier at the center i'm at now (Santa Monica BMW). When I got hired at my current center, I was able to negotiate them into paying me the same rate as South Bay. Since I started here last May, my stress level has plummeted, i've averaged about 100hrs a pay period, and for the most part I only work from 7AM to 4PM. Some days i'll stay till 5 or 6 if there's something good or if I just want to finish what i'm working on to start fresh in the morning on something new.

Looking at my Yr.-to date info from my most recent paycheck, if it stays the way it's been going here, i'm looking to take home about $80K this year. Of course, with the economy in the dumps, that's all up in the air. So far though, while it has gotten a bit slower, it doesn't seem like we've gotten AS affected by the crunch. I mean, sales isn't really selling any cars, but we still have a decent amount of people coming in for service. And a decent number of CP cars and people here in Santa Monica actually BUY work! I think it's mainly because there's a LOT of OLD $$$ here in Santa Monica and people with old $$$ aren't as affected by the economy as people who have made their fortunes recently...

To the OP....hope this helps in your decision some. Honestly, it's a tough business and definitely not for everyone. If you're willing to work hard it can be very rewarding but it's a double-edged sword. Good luck...