It is standard to bill someone out at 2.5 times their hourly wage to cover overhead, so the mechanic would be making 40-45 per hour.

College graduates have lifetime earnings that are 60% greater than high school grads. That of course is an average across all fields. The gap is even bigger when you account for the fact that the plumbers etc. have trouble doing the physical work past age 50-55. Plumbers still working past that age generally own the business. They assume the risk of stocking pricey supplies and paying wages; the people who work for them doing the actual plumbing are paid hourly.

College grads also have skills that are broadly applicable to a lot of jobs: writing skills, computer skills etc. A journalist can become a teacher. People in the trades are pretty focused, and their skills can become obsolete quickly.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have no idea. We have two family friends with children who became mechanics.

The kids just never had an interest in college and the parents didn't push it. They're far better off than the siblings who went to college. They have boats and motorcycles, starter homes, and they travel a lot.

There's something simpler about it, like they're better for not getting caught up in the hoopla of what they're "supposed to" be doing.

But, it sounds like they are caught up in buying more stuff which doesn't always make you happier.

Eh, they're 23/24 year old dudes. They're too young and dumb to realize that a boat won't make them happy long-term. Right now it's silly fun.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is your mechanic part of a garage or does she own it?

110 an hour pays for the mechanic (probably 18 an hour. Up to 25/30 depending on experience and models worked on), rent, warranty, tools like lifts and air compressors, shop supplies, consumables, etc, etc.

Then the mechanic’s personal expenses. Tools (probably 50k worth), education, certifications, etc.

Yes. You can make a decent living. But the mechanic is not making 110 an hour. Nope.

If a mechanic is working in a shop he/she probably gets half or $55 per hour ($110k per year). But if he self employed he can earn much more than that.

Most mechanics don't make anywhere near 110k per year, especially if they are employed by a shop. Curious where you got these numbers from? It’s closer to 70k.

Anonymous wrote:Working on cars is low class.

Oh the irony, anonymous coward!

Working on cars is low class.

Anonymous wrote:Because rich parents won’t dare let their offspring get their hands dirty.

+1

Because as a society we've really lost respect for the trades. I really admire what Mike Rowe has been doing with his foundation to support people interested in working in these areas.

http://profoundlydisconnected.com/foundation/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know some college educated people with Masters Degrees that make less than that <$75K and they have piles of college loans.

Seems to me that trade school might be a better return than a Liberal Arts degree.

There is nothing wrong with being a mechanic but, not everyone can. Also, I firmly believe that more liberal arts majors mean better educated society.

LOL. Degrees in baloney do not make society better educated.

My plumber earns more than I do. I'm a lawyer. He probably doesn't pay all his taxes (many who operate with cash don't). He has a McMansion, a beach house, and a home in Greece. Kids in private school.

Our handyman and contractor are the same: nice homes, plus vacation homes and houses abroad.

Anonymous wrote:I know some college educated people with Masters Degrees that make less than that <$75K and they have piles of college loans.

Seems to me that trade school might be a better return than a Liberal Arts degree.

perhaps, but... STATUS

I know two mechanics personally. One works for a BMW dealership in NoVa and makes about $120K/year. He does have to supply his own tools, which cost almost $100K. But he makes a good living. He probably works 45 hours/week. It is hard, physical work though. As he nears 45, he is definitely beginning to feel it daily.

The other one makes about $65K/year. He works at a small, more general mom & pop shop further out in VA. His hours are capped at 40/week and he takes no work home with him. He and his wife own a small house and have two kids. A decent life but not opulent. He also suffers physically from the labor.

Anonymous wrote:Lots of people in Prince William do, just not people around here. Electricians and plumbers make good money. There is a plumber on here who says he makes $200k a year.

Plumbers are always well paid, everywhere. I know a mechanic who started his own shop in his late 20's and he is a millionaire now in his 50's. He lives in a $1m+ home, rental properties, a boat and nice cars. He works hard, but it has paid him well.

It's pathetic OP thinks the mechanic gets $100/hr.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because rich parents won’t dare let their offspring get their hands dirty.

This is probably the truth. Even though cars will drive themselves some day, cars won't be fixing them. In the future computers won't replace them like they will other jobs - like lawyers, doctors, etc.. There is a shortage of mechanics, so there is good job security. The pay is very good. A mechanic will always be able to keep his families cars on the road without spending a ton of money. You don't need much training to begin the career - which means less student loan debt.

I disagree that the "Rich" don't want their kids to get their hands dirty. I'd happily give my child the $300k we have saved for college should they want to pursue a trade. They have trust funds so I'd much rather that they take advantage of their luck and do something that makes them happy- especially a career that allows a healthy work/life balance. I'd rather have my kids working 40 hours a week as small business owners or mechanics than 80 hours a week as lawyers.

I agree, few things would disappoint me more.

Some of mine do! They're dually enrolled at a tech academy for things like masonry and welding and auto repair. They tell me writing essays on the Crucible is pointless and I gotta say, for them, they're right!