Bike Mechanic- Wages??

lvquestpaddler

Posted this in Road Workshop, but thought it may get replies here ?
Sorry if it's in the wrong place ....

Hi,

I'm just wondering what the "average" pay is for a bike mechanic (or expected minimum>maximum) and at what levels? I'd assume (maybe incorrectly?) that mechanics in say Halfords/Tiso etc are more likely to be involved in shifting new bikes/PDI's, whereas in specialist shops they may be involved in far more techy things like wheel building and suspension rebuilds, repairs etc?
Does the industry demand qualifications (litigation....) or could a suitably home/internet taught well experienced person do this? It seems everything you do these days needs a "ticket"....

02gf74

Average is £17,000

lvquestpaddler

Seriously?? Holy sh*t.... I thought it would be a fair bit higher considering the knowledge, skills and experience needed. After all they service peoples bikes and any mistakes could have serious, even fatal consequences. Motor mechanics get paid far more then though I can't see much of a difference in general skills and responsibilities(you could argue that since the progress of computers car mechanics might be better with an IT qualification, everything is diagnostics now!)
Just makes me think even more that "progress" has seen a devaluation of many hands on, trades type jobs...all the money is in sitting in front of a screen in virtual world....

robertpb

Does make you wonder what people are paid for their skills set. London Underground pay their drivers close to £50k for a 36 hours and 43 days off, plus free travel, all they have to do is open and close the doors, the rest is automated. The DLR doesn't have drivers only a conductor.

The Rookie

It's all about supply and demand, if shop owners can get all the staff (and the right staff) for £17000, why pay more.

In the case of the old nationalised jobs, it's distorted by unionisation of labour creating a monopoly, they can hold the authorities to ransom as if they all go on strike there is never the cover to keep it running, and no way of creating cover in advance.

lvquestpaddler

Must do wonders for morale and motivation, no doubt on the minimum 5.6 weeks holidays and SSP if you're off.... For the bigger companies that could afford a few grand more yet still screw their workers I often wonder that if they offered decent salary and conditions they'd probably get (the best)people who desperately wanted the job and would be keen to defend their position. Peanuts and monkeys spring to mind.
Location must play a big part. Here in the Scottish Highlands they can get you for minimum for every job/trade regardless of what skills, experience and quals you bring to the table, because you have no choices otherwise... but living in a nice place and getting the patronising pat on the back from the bosses is much more valuable than a decent wage...right??

FishFish

...alternatively get some valuable qualifications and move from Eochir to London (like I did) and look after yourself as number 1 in the set of priorities and do very well for yourself - but put up with the hardship of sht commuting until you've made it. A lot of people can't cope with that.

There are earning opportunities for all but the minute you decide to constrain it they vanish. The wave function superposition collapses and you are left with your own reality.

Matthewfalle

lvquestpaddler wrote:

Seriously?? Holy sh*t.... I thought it would be a fair bit higher considering the knowledge, skills and experience needed. After all they service peoples bikes and any mistakes could have serious, even fatal consequences. Motor mechanics get paid far more then though I can't see much of a difference in general skills and responsibilities(you could argue that since the progress of computers car mechanics might be better with an IT qualification, everything is diagnostics now!)
Just makes me think even more that "progress" has seen a devaluation of many hands on, trades type jobs...all the money is in sitting in front of a screen in virtual world....

Low skill set job - it’s not exactly rocket science. No need for holy sh..... What did you think someone would get for adjusting a mech and changing an inner tube?

Silly comparison between bike and motor mechanic - bit blinkered to tell the truth.

02gf74

Matthewfalle wrote:

Silly comparison between bike and motor mechanic - bit blinkered to tell the truth.

Why is that? Main difference is the size of spanners and sockets used. Replacing a front wheel bearing on a car or bike is the same in principle.

Car mechanics is a more involved as modern cars have complex electronics but all that means is the mechanic connects a plug to some diagnostic equipment and the computer program tells them what the problem is.

JGTR

Car mechanics is a more involved as modern cars have complex electronics but all that means is the mechanic connects a plug to some diagnostic equipment and the computer program tells them what the problem is.

That’s doesn’t make sense....it’s more involved but the mechanic doesn’t actually do anything :?: If that’s the case I’m assuming you fix your own car :?: :?: :roll:

Matthewfalle

02GF74 wrote:

Matthewfalle wrote:

Silly comparison between bike and motor mechanic - bit blinkered to tell the truth.

Why is that? Main difference is the size of spanners and sockets used. Replacing a front wheel bearing on a car or bike is the same in principle.

Car mechanics is a more involved as modern cars have complex electronics but all that means is the mechanic connects a plug to some diagnostic equipment and the computer program tells them what the problem is.

I presume you don’t do a lot of work on cars then?

rockmonkeysc

A car mechanic needs to understand various types of engine, electrical systems, chassis and drive train.
My car is going in tomorrow for a supercharger rebuild which is a two day job involving complex gear systems, mini clutches, shock absorbing drive couplers, bearings and electrics. The same mechanic will be expected to be able to swap a gearbox or change a suspension bush on cars of all ages.
Bicycles really are simple machines by comparison.

02gf74

Matthewfalle wrote:

02GF74 wrote:

I presume you don’t do a lot of work on cars then?

Ive only worked on the cars I've owned which I estimate to be about 10. This ranges from a oil service to a complete build of my own kit car, only jobs I've not done is a gearbox or a diff rebuild..

The electrics on modern cars are largely beyond the home home requiring sophisticated and hence expensive equipment.


Obviously a car has many more parts than a bicycle but both can be taken apart and reassembled using gas spanners which is the point I was trying to get across.

cycletech

Here's a great article worth a read: How much a bicycle mechanic makes per year?
The BIG question - Discussing mechanics pay-cheque

https://cycletechuk.co.uk/it-s-not-a-business-unless-you-are-paying-yourself

How much can a bicycle mechanic make per year or charges per hour? This will depend on many factors, like; your time served, skill level, knowledge, your reputation and your location.

Question: A job that comes to you, that 2 other mechanics have looked at and could not fix. But you sorted the problem out in less then 10 minutes while the customer waited. How much would you charge for knowing what to do?

People may think mechanics is not a skilled job or don't understand what's really involved. If you want to embark on this career and you decide that working in a bike shop is for you, especially at a young age, it will give you good mechanical skills and knowledge while you are on a low wage, that you can then use your time served to start your own bike business. Providing you have managed to save a small nest egg to get your business off the ground or on the road as a mobile mechanic.
I talk with many people who offer a great services and that are a cut above the competition, but they are failing to make any money. These people who stay stuck in a cycle of undercharging for their work. They won’t budge out this trap, no matter how many people tell them that they’re not charging enough (even their own paying clients).......................See link to read full story