Heavy Duty Repair Revenue Surges 68% While Tech Shortage Worsens

Key Details Heavy-duty repair shops are experiencing strong financial growth, with total shop revenue reaching $5.04 billion in 2025, up 68% since 2023. According to Fullbay's latest State of Heavy-Duty Repair report surveying over 900 industry professionals, 61% of respondents reported improved business conditions compared to the previous year. The Tech Crisis Despite robust revenues, a critical technician shortage continues to plague the industry. Fifty-four percent of shops reported being understaffed in 2025, and 40% said hiring qualified technicians has become more difficult. The workforce is aging, with a median age of 41 and just 17% of technicians under age 30, indicating a weak pipeline of new talent entering the field. Wages and Labor Rates Rising Shops are raising prices and wages to compete for workers. The median labor rate climbed to $149 per hour, up 10% year over year, while technician wages increased 14.1%. Mobile repair work commands a 7.6% premium over in-shop service. However, industry leaders note that compensation alone isn't solving the shortage. Benefits, incentives, and working conditions are becoming equally important to attract and retain technicians. Why It Matters Older trucks staying in service longer is driving repair demand, but shops lack the skilled workers to capitalize on this opportunity. The technician shortage appears long-term rather than cyclical, threatening the industry's ability to support growing fleet maintenance needs in 2026.