In this month's AMT editor's column I discussed mechanic pay and responsibility. I made a loose analogy between the different stages of an A&P's career and a doctor's career. As usual if we mention pay or responsibility in the magazine the feedback pours in. One reader said that we have more responsibility than a doctor. He pointed out that a doctor holds a life in his hands each time he diagnoses a patient. A wrong diagnosis or unsuccessful surgery could lead to death. Our patients are airplanes. Unlike a doctor, a wrong diagnosis or repair can lead to multiple fatalities.
So where does pay fall in? If we hold so many lives in our hands should we be paid as much as or more than doctors? Basically market forces end up determining our pay. Again it goes back to the old supply and demand. If there is a shortage of mechanics and a great demand then pay will go up to try and attract and keep the employees. So what are your thoughts? Is there a doctor in the house?
Thanks for reading,
Joe Escobar
