Is £16 per hour still enough for a skilled technician in 2025?

That’s a question more and more automotive workers (especially technicians) are asking across the UK. With inflation on the rise and the National Living Wage (NLW) now set at £12.21, the gap between general entry-level roles and skilled positions is narrowing rapidly. This shift is starting to reshape how workers view the value of their skills and careers in the automotive sector.

At Meenz, we’ve been speaking directly to candidates and temporary workers in the UK. The message is clear: fair UK salaries must reflect both rising costs and the level of expertise required. And right now, many skilled professionals feel the numbers just don’t add up.

1. How inflation is reshaping minimum salary expectations.

We’ve based our updated rate proposals on three key factors:

1.1. Salary vs cost of living plus inflation.

Let’s break it down: if you were earning £16 an hour in 2023, that money now has the purchasing power of just £14.20 in today’s economy. To match what £16 meant two years ago, you’d need to earn around £17.86 in 2025.

And it’s not just theory. In December 2024, 56% of UK households reported an increase in their cost of living compared to the previous month. That’s a sign of the times — and it’s a clear message that wages need to keep up.

1.2. The National Living Wage (NLW) Has Risen – salary guide.

In 2023, the NLW was £10.42. If you were earning £16.00, you had a 54% advantage.

In 2025, the NLW is now £12.21 – meaning £16 per hour gives you just a 31% edge.

That shrinking gap makes it harder to attract and retain skilled candidates. Many tell us: ,,Soon, I’ll just go to a warehouse or Amazon – they pay the same, or even more.’’

Without action, there’s a real risk that automotive workers will leave the industry altogether.

1.3 Real Feedback from candidates in the automotive sector.

Our recruitment team speaks to thousands of candidates across all levels – and one group consistently stands out: vehicle painters and mechanics.

These highly skilled professionals are questioning whether their years of experience and specialist knowledge are still worth it – especially when lower-skilled roles are catching up in pay.

2. New proposed hourly rates for 2025.

We’ve analysed all roles and built a fair, transparent pay proposal. Here’s what some of the new rates look like:

Role	2023 Rate	Proposed 2025 Rate	% Above 2025 NLW at 2023 Rate
Vehicle Preppers	£16.00	£18.00	+53.6% → shrinking to +31.0%
Vehicle Painters	£18.00	£20.50	+72.7% → shrinking to +47.4%
Vehicle Polishers	£15.00	£17.00	+44.0% → shrinking to +22.9%
Mechanical (Techs)	£18.00	£20.50	+72.7% → shrinking to +47.4%

These adjustments are designed to protect the value of skilled work.

2.1. Vehicle Preppers.

The role of a prepper is crucial in the painting process – from masking and sanding to priming and panel preparation, every step impacts the final finish. The best-paid preppers work in high-end bodyshops and on premium vehicle restorations, where speed and precision are everything. 

2.2. Vehicle Painters.

The work of a painter requires great precision – the best-paid specialists work on restoration of classics and premium cars. 

2.3. Vehicle Polisher.

The final result of any bodywork job often depends on the skills of a polisher. The best-paid polishers typically work on prestige vehicles or in specialist detailing studios, where attention to detail is everything.

2.4. Mechanical (Techs).

Mechanics with licenses and experience in hybrid and electric repairs are currently the most sought after, especially in large cities. 

3. Why pay needs to catch up in the skilled trades sector.

It’s easy to look at rising wages in retail or warehousing and wonder if all the training and experience in the automotive world is still worth it. But let’s be clear: not all jobs are equal. Skilled roles in automotive – whether it’s painting, prepping, mechanics, diagnostics or even high-level operative positions – require expertise, precision and years of practice. These roles keep vehicles moving, fleets running, and businesses operating smoothly. They can’t be replaced overnight. 

That’s why it’s more important than ever to recognise the value of these skills, not just in words, but in pay – supported by fair salary benchmarks, progression opportunities and meaningful bonuses that reflect true contribution.

4. Demand for EV Skills – The Industry’s Shift to Electrification Is Your Ticket to Higher Pay

In 2025, skills related to servicing electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a key differentiator in the job market for automotive professionals. The shift towards low-emission solutions in the automotive sector is no longer a distant future – it’s the present, and it’s fundamentally reshaping the expectations placed on technicians, garages, and service centres across the UK.

Professionals with EV-related competencies will be in significantly higher demand – and they’ll be earning noticeably more, too.

But how exactly do EV qualifications impact pay across different roles in the industry? While not every job in a workshop is transformed by electrification, certain skills – especially those tied to safety, materials, and modern diagnostics – are driving clear wage increases. 

Let’s take a closer look at EV Mechanical Technicians example.

Top earners: Over £22/hour for high-voltage (HV) certified EV technicians.

EV job impact in this case is significant. HV certification and experience can boost pay by 20–30%, sometimes reaching £22/hour, depending on location, employer and demand.

EV skills are becoming a true accelerator for wage growth for example in the mechanical technician role. Whether you’re working in diagnostics, servicing or component repair, understanding electric powertrains, high-voltage systems and battery safety is fast becoming essential.

How to become an Electric Vehicle Technician in the UK and earn more – step by step.

Step 1. Begin with the Right Education.

To start your career, you’ll need a solid foundation in automotive mechanics. Depending on your experience level, you can choose from:

– VRQ, NVQ or VCQ qualifications.

– Entry-Level to Level 3 Automotive Repair Courses.

These provide a blend of classroom learning and hands-on garage experience.

Step 2. Add EV-Specific Training.

Once you’ve got the basics, it’s time to specialise. Electric vehicles involve high-voltage systems, regenerative braking, lithium-ion batteries and diagnostic software. Look for:

– IMI Level 2 or Level 3 Awards in EV Repair & Maintenance.

– Manufacturer-approved programmes (e.g. Tesla START).

– Courses from private providers such as EV Training (UK-based).

These certifications are industry-recognised and crucial to working safely with live EV systems.

Step 3. Prioritise Safety & High-Voltage Awareness.

Working with high-voltage EV components requires strict safety protocols. Make sure your training covers:

– Insulated tools & PPE.

– Lockout/tagout procedures.

– Battery fire and thermal runaway safety.

– Emergency response techniques.

Many garages now require HV certification as standard — it’s often your ticket to better pay and advanced positions.

Step 4. Gain practical experience.

Theory alone is not enough – employers expect real-world skills. Aim for:

– Internships at dealerships or independent garages.

– Apprenticeships during holidays or a semester of study.

– Entry-level technician positions, even if not focusing on electric vehicles, to gain workshop experience.

You will gain essential skills and make industry contacts.

Step 5. Continuously expand your knowledge.

The electric vehicle market is changing rapidly. To keep up to date:

– Attend CPD and refresher training through IMI or other accredited providers.

– Read industry publications and electric vehicle repair manuals.

– Follow the most well-known brands in the EV market.

Step 6. Build networks and explore career paths.

Join professional communities such as the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), attend automotive events and connect with others on LinkedIn.

Start with the basics, specialise in EV and remember don’t stop learning. 

Source: https://electriccartalks.com/

5. Summary: what this means for You.

Whether you’re a candidate, contractor or hiring manager, this matters. Skilled work should be recognised and rewarded – and that starts with fair, future-proof wages based on the right salary range, annual salary expectations, and qualification level for each occupation.

At Meenz, we’re not just filling jobs. We’re building careers across the automotive industry and helping businesses grow with motivated, qualified professionals who know their worth and bring real value to the table.

If you’re looking to recruit, or you’re ready to explore your next role – let’s talk. We’ll help you find the right match, at the right rate.