Ford’s Jim Farley raises concern on shortage of skilled service-workers

Detroit, MI – Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley is sounding the alarm about a growing shortage of skilled auto technicians in the United States. Speaking recently on the Office Hours: Business Edition podcast, Farley said Ford currently has about 5,000 open service-technician positions, many of which can pay six-figure salaries. He described the situation as dire, noting that “as of this morning, we have 5,000 openings — a bay with a lift and tools and no one to work in it.” Farley added that while top technicians can earn around $120,000 a year, reaching that level requires years of training and experience.

The problem, Farley emphasized, extends beyond Ford. He said the country faces a broader shortage of skilled tradespeople, estimating a gap of roughly 400,000 repair-technician roles across the U.S. auto industry. Within Ford’s own dealer network, around 6,000 service bays reportedly sit idle because there aren’t enough qualified mechanics to fill them. This shortage is already affecting customers — average wait times for repair appointments at Ford dealerships have stretched to nearly two weeks, not due to parts shortages but because there aren’t enough people to do the work.

Several factors are driving the shortage. The work itself has become significantly more complex as vehicles incorporate new technologies such as electric powertrains, advanced diagnostics, and intricate computer systems. Meanwhile, the pipeline of new entrants into trade careers has weakened, with fewer young people choosing vocational training or apprenticeships. Farley argued that the U.S. has failed to invest adequately in technical education, leaving the next generation unprepared for these high-demand roles. Additionally, some mechanics cite financial barriers — including costly tools, long hours, and “flat-rate” pay structures — as reasons why the profession struggles to attract new workers.

For Ford, the lack of technicians means under-utilized service facilities and potential losses in customer satisfaction. For the broader economy, Farley views it as a warning sign about the state of America’s skilled workforce. “Without enough people who know how to build and fix things,” he said, “we risk weakening the foundation of our industrial strength.” The shortage, he suggested, is both a challenge and an opportunity — a signal that trade careers remain essential and, for those willing to train, can be highly rewarding.