Technology has become more complex and computerized, and mechanics increasingly need formal training beyond high school, such as programs offered by vocational and technical colleges. By Ted Ings, Executive Director Flat rate – the pay scale where technicians are paid by the job – has been the industry standard for many years. Flat rate: the good, the bad and the downright ugly Flat-rate pay compensates each employee of in certain job with the same rate of pay, regardless of performance or seniority. Under the flat-rate pay system, the technician is paid by the job. I must admit that if the shop was busy my pay at the end of the pay period was great. A “flat rate” hour is not an actual clock hour. When a mechanic is paid for the hours “booked” this does not take into account the actual hours the mechanic worked. The mechanic looks up the repair in his book, and it tells him that replacing a water pump in your vehicle takes 3 hours. Flat-rate, in an idealistic world, was designed to protect the consumer from dwaddling mechanics who would "milk the clock" to … These charts show the average hourly wage (core compensation), as well as the average total hourly cash compensation for the job of Automotive Mechanic I in the United States. Some automotive industry employers compensate their repair technicians according to a … Under these facts, the pay for this mechanic for the day is $30.00 x 7 (flag hours) = $210.00. The Flat Rate Lifestyle. Flag rate pay can work out well for a skilled and quick mechanic. Let's say you take your car or truck in for a water pump replacement. Watch the video to find out how the California Pay Scale … Mechanics perform both routine maintenance and complex repairs on vehicles and other machinery. Journeyman Mechanic - Hourly Rate - Get a free salary comparison based on job title, skills, experience and education. Mechanics often are paid based on flag time work. There's a history behind the development of the flat rate system, but *yawn*, we don't need to go into that. But are they making the right choice? Most shops choose the system as opposed to compensating their technicians hourly. Related: Search for Automotive Mechanic jobs. Learn about salaries, benefits, salary satisfaction and where you could earn the most. Flat rate pay is when someone is paid per job instead of a salary or per hour. Meanwhile, basic hourly plans don’t offer much value when it comes to motivation. Under the flat-rate pay system, the technician is paid by the job. I spent most of my time as a working technician being paid on a flat rate scale. Accurate, reliable salary and compensation comparisons for Canada How does flat and flag rate payment structures affect a mechanic’s pay?