Some shops may require workers to supply their own hand tools. Much of the work involves electronic equipment and auto systems. According to industry sources, the move to electronic fuel injection has led to more computerized equipment and systems on automobiles. The computerization of this occupation has significantly changed the appearance of some shops and garages as some of these new diagnostic tools replace older equipment. Workers in these occupations have close to average earnings, according to 1995 salary figures.
Mechanics have slightly higher average wages than do body repairers.
Experienced, well-skilled workers in this group can expect to earn wages above the occupational average. Apprentices earn a percentage of the journeyperson's wages, depending on how long they've been working, and their salaries are included in these averages. It should be noted that the very high annual earnings suggested by industry sources probably include self-employed workers who may own their own shop and employ others in this trade. This is a very large occupational group. In 1998 there were 20,850 people in this occupation in B.C., up from 17,990 in 1990.