Becoming a Mechanic or Automotive Technician in Iowa
If you’re looking for a job where you can apply your problem-solving skills and spend your days working with cars and trucks, you should look into becoming an automotive technician or mechanic. Auto technicians can work in the field as mechanics, auto body repairers, auto glass installers, diesel mechanics, and bus and truck mechanics. [En Español]
In Iowa, there are no special licensing requirements to work as a mechanic, however additional education and experience in the field will offer more opportunities for employment. Many high schools offer classes, and there are a wide variety of college and technical schools that have programs for those who are interested in pursuing a career in automotive technology.
The following topics may be covered in an automotive technology program:
- Auto mechanics
- Engine repair
- Auto maintenance
- Electrical systems
- Engine performance
- Air conditioning
- Fuel systems
- Brake systems
The Job Outlook in Iowa
Iowa had a total of 13,950 automotive technology specialists working in the state, according to the May 2020 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report. This represents 8,210 auto service technicians and mechanics, 2,060 auto body and related repairers, 260 auto glass installers and repairers, and 4,680 bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists. These numbers are expected to increase by 8.4 percent in the next decade to 2030.
Mechanic Salaries in Iowa
This includes information for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers, Automotive Body and Related Repairers, and Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists. The salary data is categorized by percentile and region, revealing significant variations based on experience and geographic location.
In Iowa, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn between $25,000 and $61,000 annually. Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers have salaries ranging from $23,000 to $59,000. Automotive Body and Related Repairers earn between $28,000 and $70,000, while Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists earn between $30,000 and $75,000.
Salaries in Iowa by Occupation
| Occupation | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $12.00 / $25,000 | $15.00 / $31,200 | $19.00 / $39,520 | $24.00 / $49,920 | $29.00 / $60,320 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $11.00 / $23,000 | $14.00 / $29,120 | $18.00 / $37,440 | $23.00 / $47,840 | $28.00 / $58,240 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $13.00 / $28,000 | $16.00 / $33,280 | $21.00 / $43,680 | $27.00 / $56,160 | $33.00 / $68,640 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists | $14.00 / $30,000 | $18.00 / $37,440 | $23.00 / $47,840 | $29.00 / $60,320 | $35.00 / $72,800 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Iowa by Region
| Region | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | Automotive Body and Related Repairers | Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $26,000 – $56,000 | $24,000 – $52,000 | $28,000 – $62,000 | $32,000 – $68,000 |
| Cedar Rapids | $25,000 – $55,000 | $23,000 – $50,000 | $27,000 – $60,000 | $31,000 – $66,000 |
| Davenport | $26,000 – $57,000 | $24,000 – $53,000 | $28,000 – $63,000 | $32,000 – $69,000 |
| Sioux City | $27,000 – $58,000 | $25,000 – $54,000 | $29,000 – $64,000 | $33,000 – $70,000 |
Auto Mechanic Schools in Iowa
There are several colleges throughout the state of Iowa that offer both certificate programs and degree options for students interested in pursuing additional education.
- Kirkwood Community College. Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, this community college offers a certificate program in auto collision repair and an associate degree program in automotive technology, with an option for students to complete the Toyota T-TEN program, a specialized program offered by Toyota that offers internship opportunities at local dealerships.
- Des Moines Area Community College. This school offers both a certificate program and an associate degree program in auto technology. They also offer participation in GM ASEP, where students get real-world work experience with participating dealerships through General Motors.
There is one high school in Des Moines that offers additional educational opportunities for students. Des Moines Central Campus High School is a NATEF-accredited school.
ASE Certification
ASE Certification is available for auto technicians who have a minimum of two years of experience and can pass a test demonstrating their knowledge and skills. This test is offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Having an ASE certificate shows potential employers and customers that you are a highly-trained and skilled auto technician.
Working as an Auto Mechanic in Iowa
Job opportunities in Iowa are plentiful, especially in the areas of Omaha and Council Bluffs, as well as the Davenport, Moline and Rock Island region. Des Moines is another area that is rich with job opportunities, especially for auto service technicians and mechanics. The BLS report from May 2020 showed 2,110 auto service technicians in Omaha, 1,610 in Des Moines and 1,170 in the Davenport region. Most bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists were concentrated in the Omaha area, with a total of 1,300 jobs reported. The highest earners in this industry worked in the Omaha area.
Entry-level jobs in auto technology require a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Auto Mechanic programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Des Moines Area Community CollegeAnkeny, IA(515) 964-62002006 Ankeny BlvdAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $5,7902024-25 | $9,302 to $14,269by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Eastern Iowa Community College DistrictDavenport, IA(563) 336-3300101 W Third StreetAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $4,8482024-25 | $7,830 to $14,499by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Hawkeye Community CollegeWaterloo, IA(319) 296-23201501 E Orange RdAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $6,5252024-25 | $8,428 to $12,722by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Indian Hills Community CollegeOttumwa, IA(641) 683-5111525 Grandview AveAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $5,0402024-25 | $6,459 to $10,802by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Iowa Central Community CollegeFort Dodge, IA(515) 576-7201One Triton CircleAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $5,4962024-25 | $8,354 to $12,495by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Iowa Lakes Community CollegeEstherville, IA(712) 362-260119 S 7th StAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $7,3922024-25 | $8,858 to $13,429by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Iowa Western Community CollegeCouncil Bluffs, IA(712) 325-32002700 College RdAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $6,9302024-25 | $10,053 to $14,113by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Kirkwood Community CollegeCedar Rapids, IA(319) 398-54116301 Kirkwood Blvd SWAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $6,1762024-25 | $6,322 to $13,234by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Marshalltown Community CollegeMarshalltown, IA(641) 752-71063700 S Center StAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $5,4962024-25 | $5,712 to $10,254by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
North Iowa Area Community CollegeMason City, IA(641) 423-1264500 College DrAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $6,6532024-25 | $6,912 to $11,851by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Northeast Iowa Community CollegeCalmar, IA(844) 642-23381625 Hwy 150Accredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $6,7802024-25 | $8,886 to $13,057by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Northwest Iowa Community CollegeSheldon, IA(712) 324-5061603 W Park StAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $7,3502024-25 | $8,168 to $15,114by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Southeastern Community CollegeWest Burlington, IA(319) 752-27311500 West Agency RoadAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $6,4202024-25 | $10,279 to $16,582by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Southwestern Community CollegeCreston, IA(641) 782-70811501 West Townline StreetAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $8,0642024-25 | $6,869 to $12,884by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Western Iowa Tech Community CollegeSioux City, IA(712) 274-87334647 Stone AveAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $5,1862024-25 | $7,493 to $10,970by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Tuition and fees are from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) for the year shown. Net price is the range of the average net prices each school published for different family incomes, from CareerSpy; it covers first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, so yours may differ. Schools that have closed are not listed. Programs shown without a link were added from federal completions data: the school awarded this program in 2022-23 or 2023-24. We have not yet recorded its own page for the program.