The 2026 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey offers auto service professionals insights and trends within the automotive repair industry.

This report compiles data from more than 430 survey responses from owners and managers of independent (and some franchise) auto repair shops, many of whom subscribe to Ratchet+Wrench. The goal is to provide a representative snapshot of today’s independent automotive service industry.

Conducted during the first quarter of 2026, the survey uses individual and comparative data sets and includes information and data gleaned from
across the auto care industry. This information is organized into four sections: Industry Overview, KPIs, Leadership & Workforce, and Tools, Technology
& Equipment.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Provides a broad look at industry identifiers, including background information, educational background, shop data, location by region, and average revenue.

KPIs

Examines key performance indicators governing sales and customer service at the front of the shop, as well as efficiency and productivity at the back of
the shop. 

LEADERSHIP & WORKFORCE

Explores how auto repair shop owners maintain accountability, manage their operations, and compensate their technicians. 

TOOLS, TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

Highlights the investment in tools, technology, training, and systems auto repair shop owners make to build successful businesses. 

For automotive repair shop owners looking to evaluate their operations across these four areas, the Ratchet+Wrench Industry Report provides valuable peer-to-peer benchmarks to measure and guide future success. 

The 2026 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey shows an industry balancing growth with caution. Shop owners are investing in people, technology,
and emerging services like ADAS and EV repair, while technician shortages, rising costs, and profitability pressures continue to shape decision-making.