Below is an excerpt from the OEC U.S. General Auto Repair Shop Survey Report. Inherited from PartsTech, and in the spirit of the annual State of General Auto Repair Shops in the U.S. Report, OEC surveyed 700 shops and spoke with industry experts to bring you a report with key trends, benchmarks, and free resources to help you uplevel your shop in 2026. Download the report to get insights you can use right away to improve your shop, increase revenue, and stay ahead of common industry challenges.
Across the industry, the technician shortage remains one of the most pressing obstacles for shop owners and managers. More than half of shop leaders say the impact is significant, and many are feeling the strain on both productivity and staffing. As the causes and pressures compound, shops are searching for sustainable ways to attract, retain, and develop talent.
How significant is the impact of the technician shortage?
Shops across the country continue to feel the impact of the industry’s technician shortage. When asked about the shortage, more than half of shop owners and managers surveyed (59%) said the shortage has highly or moderately impacted their business.
Reasons for the technician shortage
When asked about the causes behind the shortage, responses varied, but several consistent themes emerged. The top five reasons cited were low compensation (24%), a negative perception of the profession (23%), limited access to training (14%), lack of awareness about the profession (13%), and competition from other industries (12%). These responses show that the shortage is not driven by one issue alone but by a combination of workforce challenges, economic pressures, and the need for broader industry outreach. To reverse the trend, both the perception of the trade and the opportunities within it must evolve to attract new talent and keep experienced technicians engaged
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How well are shops retaining technicians?
Even with the ongoing shortage, most shops report that they are doing relatively well at keeping their technicians. A combined 70% said they have retained technicians well or very well, suggesting that the strategies they are using to maintain their workforce are paying off.
How can shops stay competitive in attracting and retaining talent?
Many shops are able to retain their best talent by staying competitive in their employee offerings and building a postive shop culture. In fact, offering competitive wages remains the most effective strategy for both attracting and retaining technicians. Other leading tactics for addressing the technician shortage include providing ongoing training and certification opportunities, offering flexible hours or promoting work-life balance, providing sign-on bonuses, offering enhanced benefits, and maintaining a positive work environment.
Together, these responses highlight that competitive compensation and benefits matter, but culture and growth matter too. Technicians are drawn to workplaces that invest in them as individuals, not just as employees. A supportive environment that values learning, culture, and recognition creates a workplace where technicians want to stay long term.
Access more insights from a survey of 700 auto repair professionals: Click here to download your copy of the U.S. General Auto Repair Shop Survey Report!
How do shops expect the technician shortage to develop over the next 5 years?
Most shops believe the technician shortage will continue to challenge the industry. Nearly half (46%) expect the shortage to worsen over the next five years, while 36% think it will improve and 18% believe it will remain about the same. Regardless of how the trend develops, one thing remains clear: Shops that invest in their people will be the ones best positioned to thrive. The technician shortage may continue to test the industry, but the shops that focus on people and culture are the ones setting themselves up for long-term stability and success.
Shop Takeaway
The technician shortage isn’t going away. Nearly half of surveyed shops expect it to worsen over the next five years. But the good news? Shops that invest in their people are seeing results. Here’s what’s working:
- Pay competitively. It’s still the #1 factor in attracting and keeping technicians.
- Offer growth opportunities. Training, certifications, and flexible schedules show technicians you’re invested in them.
- Build a strong culture. Technicians want more than a paycheck. Recognition, work-life balance, and a positive environment make a real difference in retention.
The bottom line: Shops that treat technicians as long-term investments, not just labor, are the ones best positioned to thrive no matter how the shortage evolves.
