02:20 12-01-2026
Why Ford can't fill technician roles as top mechanics earn $160,000
Ford master tech earns $160,000 on flat-rate pay, yet the brand can't fill 5,000 tech jobs. Training costs, injuries and churn strain the U.S. auto industry.
The story of a Ford auto mechanic earning $160,000 a year unexpectedly spotlighted one of the most pressing problems in the U.S. auto industry. Despite top specialists taking home strong paychecks, the company still can’t fill about 5,000 technician jobs nationwide.
Why a mechanic can earn like an IT pro
Ted Hummel is a senior master technician at a Ford dealership in Ohio. He specializes in transmission repair and works under a flat-rate system that pays for completed operations rather than hours on the clock. If a job is billed at 10 hours and he finishes in five, he still gets paid for 10. For those who truly master the craft, the model rewards speed and precision, and years of experience have pushed Hummel’s earnings well above the average.
The price of high expertise
Reaching that level takes years. An aspiring technician spends tens of thousands of dollars on training and tools—many of which dealers require them to purchase out of pocket. The job is physically demanding, carries a risk of injury, and doesn’t forgive downtime: no customers means no income. It’s a career built on persistence and investment, which is why only a few make it to six-figure pay.
Why Ford still can’t find enough people
Ford CEO Jim Farley has been frank about the issue. The company is prepared to pay more than $120,000 a year, yet it takes roughly five years to develop a specialist, and turnover remains high. Many leave sooner because of the workload, injuries, or unstable earnings. In practice, that long training path and high churn keep those openings stubbornly unfilled.