Analysis of the 2025 WrenchWay Technician Survey [E189] - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Key Takeaways:

Survey Demographics & Limitations

• Skewed Representation: 62% of respondents had 20+ years of experience, while entry-level and mid-career techs were underrepresented. Geographically, responses were heavy in the East/Midwest but sparse in central/western U.S.
• ASE Certification Bias: 80% of respondents held ASE certifications, contrasting with the broader industry (only ~25% of U.S. technicians are ASE-certified). Fanslow urges broader participation for accurate data.

What Technicians Want

• Proper shop equipment (87%) – Includes OE tools (e.g., GTS+ for Toyota/Honda), ADAS calibration tools, and powertrain tables 210.
• Paid vacation (83%) and retirement plans (72%) – Fanslow notes ambiguity in definitions (e.g., weeks offered) and calls for industry standardization.
• Paid training (65%) – Despite high demand, many techs underutilize training opportunities.
• Hourly/salary (majority) > hourly + production bonus (25%) > flat rate (20%). Fanslow attributes this to desire for stability, especially in rust-prone regions where labor guides may be unrealistic.

Industry Pain Points

• Low Satisfaction: Only 49% would recommend their shop to a friend. Poor communication (30% approval) and inadequate mentorship (<30%) are key issues.
• Urgent Needs: Higher pay (78%) – Fanslow advocates for cost-of-living-adjusted wages over raw dollar comparisons.
• Better benefits, tool allowances, and management (13–14%) – Vague but critical for retention.

Call to Action

• Increase Survey Participation: Fanslow urges technicians to join WrenchWay (free) to amplify diverse voices, especially from underrepresented regions/experience levels.
• Shop Owner Accountability: Recommends transparent conversations about compensation, equipment, and mentorship programs to address dissatisfaction.

Notable Quotes

• “4700 respondents is impressive, but in a field of 800,000 technicians, it’s hardly a scratch.” – Matt Fanslow
• “If you’re not paying attention to cost-of-living-adjusted wages, you’re missing the point.” – Matt Fanslow

Actionable Insights

• For Technicians: Join WrenchWay to contribute to future surveys. Advocate for clear career paths and training at your shop.
• For Shop Owners: Benchmark pay against local cost of living. Invest in OE tools and mentorship programs to retain talent.
• Industry-Wide: Address communication gaps and collaborate with schools to improve perceptions of the trade (only 25% of shops support local schools).

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.

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