Becoming a Mechanic or Automotive Technician in Illinois
If you love working with your hands, helping people and being around cars, you might want to consider a career as an automotive service tech or a collision and body repair worker. The demand for these skilled professionals in Illinois is high, and the salaries are great. To become a mechanic in Illinois you only have to be willing to complete a certificate or two-year degree program and continue training on the job. [En Español]
The Job Outlook for Mechanics and Auto Techs in Illinois
There were 28,410 auto service technicians and mechanics working in Illinois in 2020, in addition to 11,530 bus, truck and diesel specialists, and 7,010 auto body and repair workers. The job field that includes these careers is growing even larger, making room for thousands more positions for trained graduates in Illinois and in other states as well.
Salary Expectations for Auto Mechanics in Illinois
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, highlighting significant variations based on experience and geographic location.
In Illinois, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn between $28,000 and $70,000 annually. Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers have salaries ranging from $26,000 to $66,000. Automotive Body and Related Repairers earn between $30,000 and $76,000, while Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists earn between $32,000 and $80,000.
Salaries in Illinois by Occupation
| Occupation | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $13.50 / $28,080 | $17.00 / $35,360 | $21.50 / $44,720 | $28.00 / $58,240 | $33.50 / $69,680 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $12.50 / $26,000 | $16.00 / $33,280 | $20.00 / $41,600 | $25.00 / $52,000 | $31.00 / $64,480 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $14.50 / $30,160 | $18.50 / $38,480 | $23.00 / $47,840 | $29.50 / $61,360 | $36.50 / $75,920 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists | $15.50 / $32,240 | $20.00 / $41,600 | $25.50 / $53,040 | $32.50 / $67,600 | $38.50 / $80,080 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Illinois 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $30,000 – $65,000 | $28,000 – $60,000 | $32,000 – $70,000 | $35,000 – $75,000 |
| Springfield | $29,000 – $63,000 | $27,000 – $58,000 | $31,000 – $67,000 | $34,000 – $73,000 |
| Peoria | $28,000 – $62,000 | $26,000 – $57,000 | $30,000 – $65,000 | $33,000 – $71,000 |
| Rockford | $30,000 – $64,000 | $28,000 – $59,000 | $32,000 – $69,000 | $35,000 – $74,000 |
Auto Mechanic Schools in Illinois
Illinois students interested in these careers have a lot of options. There are many community colleges and adult education programs that offer automotive technology certificates and degrees, some in specialized areas of auto tech, some more general and even some that are specific to car manufacturers:
- Parkland College. Parkland, in Champaign, offers several options for students interested in automotive careers. These include certificates or degrees in automotive collision repair or automotive technology, as well as specialized concentrations in management, motorsport and technician. Students may also choose to complete the associate degree ASSET program, which trains students to work with Ford vehicles through coursework and work experience. The programs are accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).
- Universal Technical Institute. Located in Lisle, UTI offers programs in automotive technology and diesel technology. UTI also offers students several options for manufacturer-specific training, including Ford FACT, Daimler trucks, Toyota TPAT and Peterbilt PTI. These programs are accredited by NATEF and prepare students for ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) certification.
- Illinois Central College. In East Peoria, Illinois Central College offers a two-year automotive technology program. The comprehensive program includes coursework and an eight-week internship for hands-on work experience. The college also offers students the General Motors ASEP program, a program for training to work with diesel engines and equipment, and the Caterpillar dealer service technology degree, which prepares students to work with Caterpillar equipment.
Illinois also has a lot of opportunities for high school students to get started training for a career as a mechanic. Many high schools have vocational programs that are accredited and that prepare students for entry-level positions. There are also vocational centers and adult education centers that accept high school students. Some examples include the Technology Center of DuPage in Addison, Lake County High Schools Technology Campus, and Parkland College, which admits high school students.
ASE Certification
ASE certification is something that all mechanics and other types of automotive service and repair workers usually achieve at some point in their careers. It is not necessarily required, but employers often want to hire people who are working towards this important certification. In order to qualify to take the certification exams you must have either two years of experience working as a mechanic or service tech, or have completed a training program and one year of related work experience.
There are over 40 certification exams offered by ASE, covering a wide range of topics related to the automotive field. Many mechanics choose to focus on one or two areas of expertise, such as brakes or electrical systems, and become certified in those areas. Others may elect to take a broader range of exams and become certified as Master Mechanics, which is the highest level of certification offered by ASE.
Some of the more popular certification tests include:
- Truck equipment certification tests
- Engine machinist certification tests
- Light truck certification tests
- School bus certification tests
Working as a Mechanic in Illinois
There are plenty of job opportunities in Illinois for graduates of automotive technology, diesel and truck technology, and body and collision training programs. Graduates are typically hired for entry-level positions and then continue training on the job. They may be hired at dealerships, especially those who trained in manufacturer-specific programs. Other job opportunities include service stations, chain and independent repair and mechanic shops, and body and paint shops.
A career working with cars is a great choice for anyone who is mechanically-inclined, enjoys working with their hands, can work well with other people and who wants to have good job security and a great income. In Illinois there are many choices for training programs to get started.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Auto Mechanic programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Black Hawk CollegeMoline, IL(309) 796-50006600-34th Avenue3,853 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $7,9502024-25 | $4,377 to $11,809by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Carl Sandburg CollegeGalesburg, IL(309) 344-25182400 Tom L. Wilson Boulevard1,688 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $8,0002024-25 | $262 to $6,790by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman CollegeChicago, IL(773) 907-40001145 W Wilson Ave.6,185 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $12,0902024-25 | $3,271 to $10,722by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King CollegeChicago, IL(773) 602-50006301 S Halsted St2,780 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $12,0902024-25 | $4,396 to $11,382by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey CollegeChicago, IL(773) 291-610010001 S Woodlawn Ave2,747 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $12,0902024-25 | $5,260 to $7,512by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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College of DuPageGlen Ellyn, IL(630) 942-2800425 Fawell Blvd.23,216 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $10,6502024-25 | $3,576 to $12,534by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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College of Lake CountyGrayslake, IL(847) 543-200019351 W Washington St.12,290 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $10,8692024-25 | $5,109 to $9,823by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Danville Area Community CollegeDanville, IL(217) 443-32222000 E Main St2,149 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $7,4402024-25 | $1,026 to $9,218by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Elgin Community CollegeElgin, IL(847) 697-10001700 Spartan Drive9,614 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $7,1402024-25 | $4,316 to $8,866by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Highland Community CollegeFreeport, IL(815) 235-61212998 W Pearl City Rd1,369 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $7,2162024-25 | $3,506 to $12,397by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Illinois Central CollegeEast Peoria, IL(309) 694-54221 College Drive7,578 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $10,2302024-25 | $8,666 to $16,792by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Illinois Eastern Community CollegesOlney, IL(618) 393-2982233 East Chestnut Street880 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $10,9602024-25 | $8,468 to $13,339by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Illinois Valley Community CollegeOglesby, IL(815) 224-2720815 N Orlando Smith Road2,594 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $15,2392024-25 | $1,688 to $11,312by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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John A Logan CollegeCarterville, IL(618) 985-2828700 Logan College Drive3,120 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $6,5802024-25 | $6,824 to $11,230by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Joliet Junior CollegeJoliet, IL(815) 729-90201215 Houbolt Rd9,863 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $12,7502024-25 | $1,132 to $9,406by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Kankakee Community CollegeKankakee, IL(815) 802-8100100 College Drive2,404 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $13,4702024-25 | $3,219 to $12,209by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Kaskaskia CollegeCentralia, IL(618) 545-300027210 College Rd3,447 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $7,7702024-25 | $6,186 to $9,173by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Kishwaukee CollegeMalta, IL(815) 825-208621193 Malta Rd2,807 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $9,1202024-25 | $5,532 to $10,956by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lake Land CollegeMattoon, IL(217) 234-52535001 Lake Land Blvd3,699 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $8,3422024-25 | $1,259 to $9,542by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lewis and Clark Community CollegeGodfrey, IL(618) 468-70005800 Godfrey Rd4,196 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $7,8402024-25 | $356 to $8,050by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose ParkMelrose Park, IL(708) 344-47008317 W North Avenue1,345 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private for-profit | priced per program | $23,498 to $27,873by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lincoln Land Community CollegeSpringfield, IL(217) 786-22005250 Shepherd Rd5,238 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $7,1042024-25 | $1,461 to $11,380by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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McHenry County CollegeCrystal Lake, IL(815) 455-37008900 US Hwy 149,051 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $10,3922024-25 | $6,891 to $12,368by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Moraine Valley Community CollegePalos Hills, IL(708) 974-43009000 W. College Parkway11,144 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $8,5022024-25 | $1,623 to $11,921by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Morton CollegeCicero, IL(708) 656-80003801 S Central Ave3,653 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $8,9802024-25 | $5,934 to $10,123by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Oakton CollegeDes Plaines, IL(847) 635-16001600 E Golf Rd.7,032 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $10,4462024-25 | $5,081 to $10,394by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Parkland CollegeChampaign, IL(217) 351-22002400 W Bradley Ave6,018 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $9,6422024-25 | $6,281 to $12,904by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Prairie State CollegeChicago Heights, IL(708) 709-3500202 South Halsted Street3,045 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $9,3422024-25 | $3,725 to $13,713by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Rend Lake CollegeIna, IL(618) 437-5321468 N Ken Gray Pkwy1,871 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $7,8002024-25 | $6,369 to $12,191by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Richland Community CollegeDecatur, IL(217) 875-7200One College Park2,214 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $10,8002024-25 | $4,270 to $9,385by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Rock Valley CollegeRockford, IL(815) 921-78213301 N Mulford Rd5,480 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $7,3792024-25 | $5,555 to $10,798by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Shawnee Community CollegeUllin, IL(618) 634-32008364 Shawnee College Rd1,142 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $7,2002024-25 | $3,538 to $7,993by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Southeastern Illinois CollegeHarrisburg, IL(618) 252-54003575 College Road1,392 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $6,5402024-25 | $4,583 to $8,609by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Triton CollegeRiver Grove, IL(708) 456-03002000 5th Ave9,262 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $12,0902024-25 | $3,459 to $9,231by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Waubonsee Community CollegeSugar Grove, IL(630) 466-7900Rte 47 at Waubonsee Drive8,324 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $9,3902024-25 | $1,614 to $10,425by 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.