The Average Wage for an Auto Mechanic in Minnesota is $23.71/hour.

[MineralMan]

If you have various certifications, you can earn somewhat more than that, depending on where you are employed.

The average charge for labor on auto repair invoices is about $100/hr.

Reference source: https://www.indeed.com/career/automotive-mechanic/salaries/MN

Now, while the costs of operating an auto repair business that hires auto mechanics are significant and substantial, there is still an issue with the amount mechanics are paid. The mechanic must own his own tools, with the exception of some specialty tools that are traditionally owned by the business. The cost of those tools requires a sizable investment by the mechanic.

On another related subject, many people think of auto mechanics as "grease monkeys" and consider them to be more or less unskilled workers. That is far from the case in todays auto repair environment. It is expected that a hirable mechanic has some certifications, like emissions control and a number of others. Getting those certifications requires coursework and examinations. It's not easy. While you can find work as a "parts changer" in some shops without them, if you have applicable experience, you will be stuck in lower level positions until you have such certifications.

Similar situations exist for many skilled work employees. The HVAC technician must also have certifications, which are obtained through study and exams. Similar certifications exist for most skilled workers in most fields.

During my life, I have accumulated a number of such certifications, so I've been able to find employment during periods when my chosen work was hard to come by. None are a snap to get. All require study and often employer sponsorship to even take the exam.

In exchange, unless you own your own business, you will be paid far less than your employee charges for labor to its customers. Typically about a quarter of the employee's labor charged on invoices.

It's hard to make a living doing skilled crafts and trades. Truly it is. It's not a get-quick sort of career.

[getagrip_already]

1. IT tech has become a "trade" as well.....

But unlike auto maintenance, it can be done from anywhere; so it tends to go to the lowest bidder.

Like auto mechanics, IT professionals need to obtain and maintain certifications. Some employers will help an employee obtain them; but others just require them with no allowances for training, prep, or testing.

Then, if you are a contractor, you are paid a third to half of what the contracting agency is paid.

This is mostly true of administrators and commodity sw engineers. Some skills are so rare they don't fit the mold. And if you work for a large company, you tend to be treated much better than as a contractor.

But unfortunately, most of the jobs are being driven to contractors.

[spooky3]

2. I'm surprised the average rate the shop charges is

$100 per hour. I paid more than that at a Toyota service shop in the 1990s in the Midwest. I realize that the dealer is going to be at the highest end of the distribution. But still…

[bluecollar2]

4. Dealers are charging the burdened labor rate

Cost of rent, equipment, expendable materials, electricity, health care, coffee in the lounge, toilet paper, soap and water, printer paper.

During contract negotiations my former employer it was claimed that they had to offset these costs.

[jimfields33]

3. A 100 an hour isn't bad. No guarantee only one worker

Doing the work. I think that’s reasonable. The hourly wage isn’t exactly a sucky wage.