Story perspectives

80% of Service Shops Face Technician Shortages Despite Pay Hike

10/11/2025

38 7

Summary

Story summary

A 2018 survey shows 80.8% of service shops faced shortages, highlighting a gap between applicants and qualified technicians.
Geographic disparities exist as some states produce far fewer graduates than needed.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) says mentoring and apprenticeship programs can reduce turnover.
Although technicians’ average annual pay rose 39.8% over the last decade, many still seek jobs in other industries due to pay and work conditions.

1 of 1

Story summary

A 2018 survey shows 80.8% of service shops faced shortages, highlighting a gap between applicants and qualified technicians.
Geographic disparities exist as some states produce far fewer graduates than needed.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) says mentoring and apprenticeship programs can reduce turnover.
Although technicians’ average annual pay rose 39.8% over the last decade, many still seek jobs in other industries due to pay and work conditions.