The Growing Demand for Automotive Technicians
By Art Bukowski
October 2026
How Big is the Need?
The demand for automotive technicians in the region is staggering. Dan Korte, the fixed operations director at Serra Traverse City, stated, “I would hire 30 technicians tomorrow if I could.” Korte’s dealerships and repair centers face a severe shortage of technicians across all buildings and brands, impacting both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
“Booking six to eight weeks out is not ideal,” Korte noted, emphasizing the direct correlation between technician availability and service capacity.
Root Causes of Shortage
Several factors contribute to this acute shortage:
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Cultural Shift: There’s been a long-standing societal push favoring college over trade schools, creating a stigma around blue-collar jobs. While this perception is shifting, it still affects recruitment efforts.
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Housing Costs: The high cost of living, particularly in Northern Michigan, hinders recruitment. Potential hires often decline offers due to affordability issues, as noted by Jamie Laferriere, owner of Dave’s Garage. Local wages may not match housing prices compared to more populated areas.
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Compensation Structures: Laferriere indicates that the auto industry lags behind others in employee compensation, especially regarding benefits and time off. Despite competitive pay, many businesses have outdated compensation models.
Korte pointed out that many people underestimate earning potential in the auto industry, with some technicians earning six-figure salaries.
Strategies for Recruitment
To combat the technician shortage, employers are employing various strategies:
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Removing Barriers: Korte emphasized eliminating obstacles for potential hires, offering training, tools, and assistance in housing and relocation for new employees.
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Training Programs: Both Serra and Dave’s Garage are expanding training initiatives. They are open to hiring individuals with mechanical aptitude, even without formal experience. Laferriere’s shop has instituted an apprenticeship program, fostering talent from the ground up.
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Enhancing Benefits: Laferriere highlights the importance of competitive benefits, including health insurance and profit-sharing, which can attract employees from other industries.
Developing Tomorrow’s Technicians
Local programs play a crucial role in cultivating future talent. The Northwest Education Services’ Career Tech campus and Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) are noteworthy examples. Korte serves on the advisory board for both and appreciates their role in job placement and skill development.
Wayne Moody, the head of NMC’s automotive technology program, notes an increasing enrollment, attributed to rising awareness of the financial opportunities in the field. The program not only trains new technicians but also retrains existing professionals for emerging technologies, like electric vehicles.
Conclusion
The automotive industry is facing a critical technician shortage, exacerbated by societal perceptions, housing challenges, and outdated compensation models. However, concerted efforts from local businesses and educational institutions are paving the way towards a robust solution. By enhancing training, offering competitive benefits, and promoting the profession’s earning potential, there is hope for replenishing the workforce necessary to meet the region’s growing automotive needs.
