ARA Survey Results: Rates in the Auto Glass Sector

The Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) recently sent an industry survey to members of its auto glass division with the goal of identifying standard compensation in the sector.

Survey Results:
  • 88% of AGD division members pay hourly wages.
  • Licensed glass technician pay has extreme ranges (from $22/hr to a high of $45/hr).
    • 41% of AGD members pay between $30-33/hr.
  • Apprentice glass technicians pay is between 50%-75% of licensed glass technicians pay.
  • 30% of AGD members offer some type of incentive for glass technicians; of those who do:
    • 36% provide a bonus
    • 36% provide profit sharing
    • 14% provide tool allowances or upgrade training
    • 14% provide other incentives
  • 81% of AGD members provide some type of group benefits package for their staff, but only 10% of members have that plan through the ARA. (Did you know the ARA’s Group Benefits program could save you money? Get a free quote today!)
  • 80% of AGD members post their door rates; of those that do post rates:
    • 54% have rates higher than insurance rates
    • 61% post between $70-$99
    • 13% post between $100-$124
    • 17% post between $125-130
    • 9% post greater than $170
Why is it important to post rates?
  • It helps consumers understand the cost of repairs.
  • It aids in the consumers’ perception of industry trustworthiness by providing clarity around fair value for services.
  • It helps industry stakeholders and partners understand the current fair market price for services.
  • It provides a mechanism to post new service offerings such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration.

Only a very few auto body shops in B.C. offer ADAS calibration. This creates an opportunity for shops to add revenue by offering this service.

The ARA will continue to share data and insights to help you keep your business viable.

Glass Industry Update

With the release of the ARA’s auto glass industry survey, we are pleased to announce that our efforts to raise industry concerns with government have helped achieve an increase of 3-3-3% over three years (2022-2024). This is the largest increase that this sector has received in the past 16 years.

Remember that we achieved this increase over a period (Mar 5, 2021- PIBR Report) in which ICBC stated: “As PwC did not receive sufficient data to understand the costs of glass repair facilities and if, and how, they may be shifting, we are unable to consider rate changes for glass suppliers at this time.

It is our understanding that ICBC had intended to repeat the request for confidential financial performance results through another comprehensive review in May 2023.

Although industry is appreciative of the 9% increase, when compared against a 35% cumulative inflation increase since 2010, it fell well short. For this reason, the ARA has not stopped its efforts to raise your concerns with government and ICBC.

Further to the issues mentioned above, the ARA has requested (as per your input) that ICBC consider:

  • an administrative fee for the glass industry in recognition of the repair planning and documentation that it completes on behalf of ICBC
  • modifying the warranty requirements for RV and Heavy Trucks

We have heard from several members now about the need to develop a materials rate for glass and to request a reduction in the NAGS discount. We would like to hear from you about the issues that you feel need addressing. Please contact me at agd@ara.bc.