I was wondering how much $$$ a service writer(advisor) or a service tech makes? I am considering a career change because my job will LIKELY be sent to China( I'm in textiles ) when Bush opens the "free trade act" with China in '05.
Anyway, those are 2 jobs that interest me somewhat, what is the pay for these jobs and what are the pros/cons for each job? I know a couple of advisors, but being that I "know" them, I feel nosey asking "how much do you make?"
For techs, what happens if you're having trouble fixing something, will a fellow techs lend a hand? Also, do you get paid by the "time book" or actual time?

 

I know that service writers don't make as much as the salesmen out front.
My service writer of seven years moved from the service area to the sales floor.
I didn't like that but, he is one knowledgeable man who happens to now work in sales.

 

Skip the service writer gig, it blows monkey *****. I did it for about 6 months at a large dealer here in D/FW. Think about it, the majority of time, people are only coming to see you because the second biggest investment they will ever make is broken. Then, if it's warranty, Ford doesn't have a provision for a rental car. If they paid extra for the rental car when they bought it, they don't want the Focus/ Geo Metro that comes with it. If it's not under warranty, you charge too much and take too long for their tastes. Then of course, you never fix it right, and they whine, or even better, the oil and filter change you did caused their transmission to stop functioning, and they want you to fix it for free.

In order to make big money, you have to turn big numbers. More numbers = more stress. Think about all the attitude you've ever given a service writer, or your friends. Then multiply that by the other hundred cars he has working at the time.

Not at all worth the crap money I ended up making. There's some guys making upwards of 100k doing it, but most of them have fleet deals where the terminix bug control brings all 50 of their trucks in once a month to have work done. And those deals don't come in every day.

All in all, I'll go back to waiting tables or phone tech support before I ever even consider for a moment doing that again. But hey, if you like dealing with angry people, grumpy techs, and a service manager who just wants his numbers to look good, it might be for you.

 

You get to wear a tie!

 

I didnt really think about it like that hillbillyFX4, but I think you're right. I dont think I could handle the constant bitching.

How about a service tech?

1.)how much $$$?
2.)get paid by the "time book" or actual time?
3.)if you are having trouble, will fellow techs lend advice/help?
4.)I'm sure the problems range from just a blown fuse to replacing the entire engine, but roughly, how many cars do you see in a day?

 

my service writer at the ford dealership i go to works 6 days a week wears jeans and a polo shirt. he told me he makes about 65k a year and really likes his job.