If you live in Illinois, you can turn your love for cars into a rewarding career by attending one of the programs included in our list.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage reported by Illinois auto service technicians and mechanics was $46,030.
As an auto mechanic, you should be prepared to work on engines, brakes, transmissions, and a variety of other car systems.
Before being ready to apply for your first position as an auto mechanic, you have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Performing diagnostic tests
- Conducting routine maintenance tasks
- Replacing worn and damaged parts
- Explaining vehicle problems to customers
- Maintaining records of the work performed
- Ensuring safety procedures are followed
- And more
Auto mechanic classes are available in person and online at several colleges across the state.
Program duration ranges from a few months to two years, depending on the program and the credential it leads to.
To help you choose the program that best fits your needs, on this page, we have compiled information about the best auto mechanic schools in Illinois and the programs they offer.
#1Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech has provided technical skills training since 1946.
The college offers an Automotive Technology program at its Melrose Park campus.
Students may earn an Automotive Service Technology diploma or graduate with an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Service Management Technology.
The school offers 16 auto bays, nine lifts, nine “drive-in” classrooms, and an Auto Web Tech Lab.
Courses Offered
The program covers the following skills:
- Rebuild an engine, flush a brake line, and troubleshoot on-board computers
- Diagnose and repair transmissions
- Repair A/C and heating systems
- Perform basic maintenance
Study the theory and application of automotive electrical and electronic systems.
Contact Information
- Address: 8317 W. North Avenue, Melrose Park, IL 60160
- Phone: (708) 344-4700
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
#2Fast Lane Automotive Training
About the School
Fast Lane Automotive Training offers courses designed to prepare students for A.S.E. Certification.
The courses cover the following topics:
- Steering & Suspension
- Gas & Hybrid Engines
- Vehicle Heating & AC
- Brake Systems
- Automatic Transmissions
- Electrical
The programs develop a student’s mastery of the diagnostic and electrical service process through real-world, hands-on training.
Contact Information
- Address: 4235 W. Division Street, Chicago, IL 60651
- Phone: (773) 525-0123
- Website: https://www.traininthefastlane.com
#3Illinois Central College
About the School
Illinois Central College offers more than 150 programs of study.
The college offers 55 certificates that offer a quick path to start a new career or to enhance their skills in the career they already have.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, the college provides an Automotive Technology program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science.
The program includes an eight-week internship that gives students real-world experience and connects them to employers.
The school offers supportive classroom instruction, hands-on training, and exam preparation for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence exams.
The program takes 21 months to complete and awards 63 total credit hours.
Tuition for this program is $10,080.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 College Drive, East Peoria, IL 61635
- Phone: (309) 694-5422
- Website: https://icc.edu
#4Lincoln Land Community College
About the School
Lincoln Land Community College offers transfer degrees and workforce training.
Students may choose from more than 60 majors.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program at Lincoln Land Community College helps students develop problem-solving skills.
Students have access to a state-of-the-art facility with the newest automotive technology equipment.
The following degrees and certificates are available:
- Auto Heating and Air Conditioning Certificate of Completion
- Brakes Certificate of Completion
- Steering and Alignment Certificate of Completion
- Automotive Technician Certificate of Achievement
- Automotive Technology Associate in Applied Science
In total, the program costs approximately $14,500 in total.
Contact Information
- Address: 5250 Shepherd Rd. Springfield, IL 62703
- Phone: 217-786-2200
- Website: https://www.llcc.edu
#5Frontier Community College
About the School
Frontier Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that helps students develop an in-depth knowledge of the industry and best practices.
The college offers an automotive lab that is a spacious facility complete with the latest equipment, where students receive group and one-on-one training.
Lab equipment includes:
- A tire machine and balancer
- Computer diagnostic equipment
- Engine repair equipment
- A snap-on alignment machine
- Special service tools for brake, steering, suspension, and transmission system diagnosis and repair
- And more
In addition to a two-year associate degree, there are two specialized automotive certificates that are either stand-alone programs or serve as ladders to the degree program:
- Automotive Service Specialist
- Auto Light Repair Tech
Contact Information
- Address: 2 Frontier Drive, Fairfield, IL 62837-2601
- Phone: 618-842-3711
- Website: https://iecc.edu/fcc
#6Harry S Truman College
About the School
Harry S Truman College offers an Automotive Technology program certified by the ASE Education Foundation.
The program aims to provide students with the educational foundation and practical experiences to pursue an entry-level career in the automotive industry.
Courses Offered
The program consists of 11 courses:
- Basic Certificate- 5 courses
- Advanced Certificate- 11 courses
- Associate in Applied Science- 18 courses
The Basic Certificate includes the following courses:
- Intro to Automotive Tech
- Engine Concepts
- Electrical Systems & Power Accessories
- Automotive Brakes
- Steering & Suspension Systems
The Certificate requires 20 hours in total.
Contact Information
- Address: 180 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60601
- Phone: (773) COLLEGE
- Website: https://www.ccc.edu
#7College of DuPage
About the School
College of DuPage offers an Automotive Service Technology Program.
The program blends in-depth training and hands-on shop experience as students learn to operate, diagnose, and repair automotive systems on passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
Students gain the expertise to keep vehicles running at peak performance.
The program has a master accreditation from the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation.
Courses Offered
The following Certificates are available:
- Electric Vehicle Technology
- Entry Level Automotive Service Technology
- Master Automotive Service Technology Advanced
- Automotive Service Management
The Electric Vehicle Technology Certificate program includes the following courses:
- Automotive Electrical I
- Automotive Electrical II
- Electric Vehicles and Equipment
In total, the certificate includes nine credits.
Contact Information
- Address: 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
- Phone: (630) 942-2800 (Main)
- Website: https://cod.edu
#8Elgin Community College
About the School
A fully-accredited public institution, Elgin Community College focuses on high-demand career education that meets the needs of the current market and the interests of its students.
Among many other programs, Elgin Community College offers an Automotive program that provides students with thorough training in all aspects of vehicle maintenance for different types of vehicles.
Courses Offered
The following degree options are available:
- Automotive Service Technology- Associate of Applied Science
- Basic Vocational Certificates:
- Auto Heating & Air Conditioning
- Automotive Electrical Specialist
- Brake and Suspension Specialist
- Engine Mechanical Repair Specialist
- Engine Performance Specialist
- Transmission & Drivetrain Specialist
Contact Information
- Address: 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123
- Phone: 847-697-1000
- Website: https://elgin.edu
#9McHenry County College
About the School
McHenry County College offers an Automotive Technology, Associate in Applied Science program that provides students with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to become entry-level automotive repair technicians.
The classes are taught by instructors who have between 20 and 30 years of experience.
Students may take classes full- or part-time, days or evenings, year-round.
The program costs approximately $12,000 in total for in-district students.
Courses Offered
The program learning objectives include:
- Proficiency with modern automotive tools/equipment
- Critical thinking to troubleshoot and repair various automobile systems
- Proper application of scientific theory to calculate and analyze automotive system parameters
- Applying ethical and productive behavior
- Demonstrating effective communication
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, Illinois 60012-2761
- Phone: (815) 455-3700
- Website: https://www.mchenry.edu
#10Rock Valley College
About the School
Rock Valley College offers an Automotive Service Technology program that focuses on electrical/electronics, engine repair, engine performance, heating/AC, brakes, and transmissions.
The RVC Automotive program offers courses in electric vehicle repair.
Courses Offered
Students can choose from two pathways within the Associate in Applied Science degree:
- Automotive Service Technician
- Automotive Management
The following Certificate options are also available:
- Automotive Technician Certificate
- Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair
The college also offers the following Electric Vehicle Repair courses:
- Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Powertrain
- Advanced Vehicle and Chassis Systems
- Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Battery Systems
Contact Information
- Address: 3301 North Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61114
- Phone: (815) 921-7821
- Website: https://rockvalleycollege.edu
Schools Summary Table
Auto Mechanic Average Salary in Illinois
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$33K
|
|
|
$56K
|
|
|
$84K
|
Auto Mechanic Salary by Metro Area in Illinois
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL | 410 | $51,080 | $24.56 | $78,010 | $29,120 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 430 | $53,960 | $25.94 | $77,600 | $34,770 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 18,180 | $59,710 | $28.71 | $91,670 | $34,960 |
| Decatur, IL | 190 | $53,260 | $25.61 | $76,720 | $33,450 |
| Kankakee, IL | 290 | $49,860 | $23.97 | $78,780 | $29,120 |
| Peoria, IL | 930 | $54,080 | $26.00 | $79,760 | $33,300 |
| Rockford, IL | 680 | $54,580 | $26.24 | $79,430 | $33,940 |
| Springfield, IL | 530 | $54,740 | $26.32 | $78,530 | $34,460 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
Your passion for cars and mechanical puzzles can be transformed into a rewarding career by completing one of the training programs included in our list.
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in the state of Illinois, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best fits your budget, lifestyle, and career aspirations.
