Okay, let’s tackle this. So Tommie has 15 years of experience as a mechanic, which is a significant amount of time. Location is Brinson, Georgia, which is a smaller town. Mechanic rates vary by location, but generally, experienced mechanics in smaller towns can charge lower rates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for automotive service technicians in the South region (which includes Georgia) is around $25. However, ASE-certified mechanics tend to earn higher wages. A study by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence found that ASE-certified mechanics can earn up to 20% more than non-certified mechanics. Considering these factors, I’ll estimate Tommie’s hourly rate to be around $45, which is slightly above the median wage for automotive service technicians in his area.