Automotive Service Association members were asked recently to complete a survey asking for their opinions regarding ASA products, services and value. The survey also captured the age of technicians by specified groups. With this information, ASA was able to estimate the number of technicians working in the industry by age group. These stats also reveal the future need for technicians.

First, let's look at the technicians in mechanical shops. Technicians between the ages of 21 and 39 (Generations X and Y) make up 50 percent to 55 percent (162,308) of the total technician population. Thirty-one percent (87,333) of technicians are between the ages of 40 and 50. An interesting element here is that 61 percent of shops have an average of two technicians who are between 40 and 50 years old. If we add the 32,720 technicians who are 51 and older, more than 40 percent of technicians will be reaching retirement in 20 years. This stresses the value of technician training, image improvement and recruitment.

The majority of collision repair shops are comprised of baby boomer technicians. Seventy-four percent of shops have three techs between the ages of 40 and 50. That equals almost 77,000 technicians or 25 percent of total collision technicians.

Eighteen percent (59,448) of collision technicians are between 35 and 39 years old; 16 percent (47,676) of collision techs are between 30 and 40; 17 percent (52,121) of techs are 25 to 29 years old; 12 percent (34,679) are between 19 and 24; and 2.11 percent (5,148) are under 18.

Stat Corner is written by Denise Caspersen, ASA's research management specialist. She can be reached at (800) 272-7467, ext. 236.

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