Labor rates?
Yea I'm Old, but never shied away from work;
1971 Chopped Cotton in West Texas $0.80/hr
1972 Pumped Gas, changed oil, fixed flats, & changed plugs 12 hrs a day 7 days a week (summer job) $1.00/hr no OT
1974- 1976 Sold Parts $2.00-$2.10/hr 70 hr a week no OT
1977 Dug Ditch by hand, sharp shooter & shovel & read meters $2.90
1978 Began work at a refinery $12.00/hr laid of after 5 years
1983 Welding and running a crew $7.00- 8.00/hr
1987 company paid for me to go to College at night (after welding all day)
Again I worked for the education, I'm not to good to dig a ditch, however it sure pays better and better conditions to use your brain than your muscles.
Now is Today I don't speak of how much I make nor ask others
Many today will never understand working your way up or working for that matter and all jobs are not meant to be Careers.
Back on subject, $125/hr pays a tech, support staff, and overhead, really not a bad deal for things a person can't do themselves or chooses not to.
1971 Chopped Cotton in West Texas $0.80/hr
1972 Pumped Gas, changed oil, fixed flats, & changed plugs 12 hrs a day 7 days a week (summer job) $1.00/hr no OT
1974- 1976 Sold Parts $2.00-$2.10/hr 70 hr a week no OT
1977 Dug Ditch by hand, sharp shooter & shovel & read meters $2.90
1978 Began work at a refinery $12.00/hr laid of after 5 years
1983 Welding and running a crew $7.00- 8.00/hr
1987 company paid for me to go to College at night (after welding all day)
Again I worked for the education, I'm not to good to dig a ditch, however it sure pays better and better conditions to use your brain than your muscles.
Now is Today I don't speak of how much I make nor ask others
Many today will never understand working your way up or working for that matter and all jobs are not meant to be Careers.
Back on subject, $125/hr pays a tech, support staff, and overhead, really not a bad deal for things a person can't do themselves or chooses not to.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 4,200
From: The boonies of northern New England
My local Harley dealer, part of a five dealer network in my region, was charging 110 dollars an hour about a year and a half ago, then last fall went to 125 an hour. Then this spring they went to 150 an hour. At this rate 200 an hour isnt too far away. I blame inflation more than greed. Just look at the huge price increases on everything. Not only do the dealers have to pay more for everything like we do, but add in increased labor costs and benefits for employees. With the labor shortage, wages are going up, just to keep the current employees, never mind trying to hire new employees. Maybe there is some greed involved, they are so busy, the service department is booking appointments months, not weeks, out. So people are obviously paying the higher rates. When inflation reaches the point people stop buying goods and services, prices will have to come down. Maybe not labor rates, but parts and other durable goods will come down. But of course well be in a recession by then, so there will be many unemployed people, so no more labor shortage. Not good either way.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 6,009
From: Boston suburbs
I called a service call for one of our clients on some kitchen equipment a few weeks ago. $240 travel charge, $240 an hour with a 2 hour minimum. $720 to walk in the door
NYC rates suck
NYC rates suck
Aside from Harleys and Cars - absolutely gets higher depending on the specialty. Service calls are entirely different. We have a vendor/support company that charges a minimum 4 hrs travel, meals, and $250hr. Then they change the same parts we have on hand, trick is they have one of the top techs on the other end of the phone. We once spoke directly with top techs while troublshooting, but after a larger company bought them they no longer allow that support.
It's good to be in a position of power.
It's good to be in a position of power.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
Im seeing 80 to 120 an hour on T&M (Time + Material work). Alot of places are also offering fixed price work. Chris, my indy is about 95 an hour but what would take some cheaper guys 3 hours, takes him 2.5 (just i.e) so the cost is the same and its done right.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
If you can not (or will not) do the simple things required to keep your bike in good running order you shouldn't complain about the cost of having it done.
I take my bikes to the dealership for warranty work and/or the things that I do not have the tools or the ability to do.
Changing fluids, filters and spark plugs isn't "brain work" and just requires a few tools and a little bit of your time and it's just a bit harder than checking and refilling the air in your tires. If you don't know how to do this stuff ask a friend to help or teach you how to do them.
Basic knowledge about your bike and the ability to do the lightest service repairs will do your soul some good and you will not feel so helpless.
I take my bikes to the dealership for warranty work and/or the things that I do not have the tools or the ability to do.
Changing fluids, filters and spark plugs isn't "brain work" and just requires a few tools and a little bit of your time and it's just a bit harder than checking and refilling the air in your tires. If you don't know how to do this stuff ask a friend to help or teach you how to do them.
Basic knowledge about your bike and the ability to do the lightest service repairs will do your soul some good and you will not feel so helpless.