Here's How to Improve Technician Retention in Your Auto Repair Shop

It’s no secret: a lot of auto repair shops are struggling to hold onto technicians. Whether they’re jumping ship to another shop or leaving the industry entirely, the turnover rate is a growing concern. And while this industry offers good pay and long-term career potential, something just isn’t clicking.

If you want your technicians to stick around, it’s time to look at the problem from a few new angles.

Is It Really a Shortage… or Something Else?

We hear it all the time: “There’s a technician shortage.” But is it truly a lack of workers—or are we just not giving them a reason to stay?

At Level 6 Auto Shop Consulting, we believe the real issue isn’t the availability of skilled labor. The problem is that many shops are losing technicians who feel undervalued, overworked, or simply ignored.

Shops are constantly posting job ads, throwing out sign-on bonuses, and saying how hard it is to find good help. Meanwhile, the best shops aren’t just finding technicians—they’re keeping them. Why? Because they’ve built a culture where people want to stay and grow.

Let’s be honest: technicians aren’t always quitting the industry. They’re quitting your shop.

Why Technicians Are Walking Away

This is a tough job. It’s physically demanding, mentally taxing, and often underappreciated. Even when the money is decent, many techs are still barely scraping by. Add in poor leadership, toxic shop culture, outdated equipment, or a dirty work environment, and it’s no wonder they’re looking elsewhere.

Technicians also face major expenses just to do the job—from toolboxes to continued training. When these challenges go unacknowledged, even a decent paycheck won’t keep them around.

And let’s not forget: they’re human. People want to be heard, supported, and respected. If leadership only ever points out what’s going wrong and never celebrates what’s going right, it’s only a matter of time before motivation starts to crumble.

What Needs to Change

The auto repair industry has no shortage of focus on fixing cars—but not enough focus on taking care of its people.

Technicians are expected to tackle every issue that comes their way to satisfy the customer. But are shop owners doing the same for their techs?

At Level 6, we’ve seen that most technicians aren’t itching to leave. They’re just tired of:

• Being micromanaged
• Working under unclear or unfair pay plans
• Feeling like nobody’s listening

The solution isn’t pizza parties or token bonuses. What they want is strong leadership, transparency, real appreciation, and the sense that they’re part of a team—not just a number.

Ask Yourself the Hard Questions

Instead of saying, “There just aren’t enough technicians,” take a moment to reflect:

• Would you want to work in your own shop?
• Would you stay if you were treated the way your techs are?
• Are you really facing a worker shortage—or a leadership issue?

Retention isn’t about luck. It’s about culture, communication, and care.

Let Level 6 Help You Build a Better Shop

At Level 6 Auto Shop Consulting, we help independent shop owners improve culture, leadership, and retention—fast.

In just three months, our coaching program can transform the way your team communicates, operates, and grows together. Shops that work with us see:

• Better pay plans
• Lower turnover
• Better productivity
• Happier workplace culture

Let’s make your shop the kind of place people want to be a part of.

Call us at (563) 940-6114 to learn how we can help your technicians stay longer, work harder, and feel truly valued.