Service technician salaries are up 13 percent this year, as the current skills shortage makes it the most sought-after role in the motor trade.
This is according to the latest Motor Salary Survey from the accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO.
Average pay, excluding management positions, increased by an average of 7 percent year-on-year, with the largest hikes found in the parts, service and administration departments, where 8-9 percent increases were found.
The survey participants employ around 25,000 people and in the last year had an estimated staff turnover of 31 percent. Commenting on the pressure on wages and the fight to secure the best talent, BDO said “it was no surprise that most [respondents] noted service technicians and advisers as the roles where most issues have been encountered.“
The average salary for all non-management positions surveyed was £47,344, up from £44,546 in 2022.
BDO director James Evans said: “Staff retention remains a key issue. At 31 percent, employee turnover is higher in motor retail than it is in the wider economy. For those completing our survey, it represents a loss of 7-8,000 people in the last 12 months.
“This level of attrition comes at a significant cost to all groups in respect of recruitment and time invested in training, as well as having an upward pressure on wages as groups compete to attract the best talent.”