If you live in Iowa and you want to prepare for a career as an auto mechanic, this page provides you with information about the best training options available in your state.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Iowa auto mechanics in this profession reportedly earned $43,240 per year, on average.
Salaries range from less than $23,500 and more than $62,000 depending on experience, employers, skills, and a variety of other factors.
Before being ready to apply for your first position as an auto mechanic, you have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Shop safety
- Tool and equipment usage
- Routine maintenance procedures
- Diagnosing and repairing motor vehicle systems
- Demonstrating professional customer service skills used in the industry
- And more
Auto mechanic classes are available in person and online at several colleges across the state.
The programs included in our list can lead to a Certificate, Diploma, or Associate Degree.
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 Iowa and the programs they offer.
#1Southeast Technical College
Located in South Dakota, Southeast Technical College offers more than 65 pathways in today’s most innovative fields.
The college provides career-focused programs developed with area industry leaders.
Courses Offered
The college provides an Automotive Technology Associate Degree program that awards 65 credits.
Students prepare for tasks such as:
- Consulting technical manuals for procedures
- Using computerized diagnostic equipment
- Testing parts and systems
- Performing regular maintenance
- Discussing repair procedures
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2320 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107
- Phone: 605-367-7624
- Website: https://www.southeasttech.edu
#2Kirkwood Community College
About the School
Kirkwood Community College offers top-tier programs, expert faculty, and a vibrant campus community.
More than 140 majors and programs are available at the college.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, the college offers an Automotive Technology program.
The two-year degree provides entry-level skills and knowledge for tomorrow’s automotive technicians.
The curriculum emphasizes automotive electronics.
The program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.
The instructors are certified Master Technicians by the National Institute of Automotive Services Excellence.
The Diploma program costs approximately $10,400.
The following Certificate and Diploma options are available:
- Entry-Level Automotive Technology Diploma
- Fundamentals of Automotive Technology Certificate
- Advanced Chassis Certificate
- Advanced Drivetrain Certificate
- Advanced Powertrain Certificate
The programs are between one term and four terms in length.
Contact Information
- Address: 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
- Phone: 319-398-5411
- Website: https://www.kirkwood.edu
#3Western Iowa Tech Community College
About the School
Western Iowa Tech Community College offers a variety of program options, including:
- Air Conditioning
- Auto Body Procedures
- Auto Body Repair
- Auto Collision Repair Technology
- Automotive Painting
- Automotive Electrical Certification
- Automotive Technology
- And more
The Automotive Technology program costs approximately $13,845 for in-state students.
Students need 65 credits for an Associate in Applied Science.
Auto Technology students need to have their own personal tool set to use for classroom/lab projects.
Students are in the lab and working on the first day of class, and tools are required.
Contact Information
- Address: 4647 Stone Avenue | Sioux City, Iowa 51106
- Phone: 712.274.8733
- Website: https://www.witcc.edu
#4Northeast Iowa Community College
About the School
Northeast Iowa Community College offers an Automotive Mechanics program that can lead to a Diploma.
The program awards 48 credits and is available at the college’s Calmar and Peosta campuses.
Students can graduate in just 12 months.
Tuition and fees sum up to $11,440.
Courses Offered
Classroom instruction is an important component of the program, but students spend the majority of their time in a full-service auto mechanics lab on campus, where they learn to diagnose, document, and complete repairs.
The lab offers advanced diagnostic equipment to assist in work on:
- Automatic transmission/transaxle
- Brakes
- Electrical systems
- Engine performance
- Engine repair
- Heating and air conditioning
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1625 Highway 150 South, Calmar, IA 52132
- Phone: 844.642.2338
- Website: https://www.nicc.edu
#5Iowa Lakes Community College
About the School
Iowa Lakes Community College offers an Automotive Technology Associate in Applied Science degree program.
The two-year program provides real-world experience in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles.
Students train in the college’s state-of-the-art automotive lab at the Emmetsburg Campus, working with industry-standard tools and diagnostic equipment.
The program covers the expertise students need in order to excel in today’s fast-evolving automotive field, from engine performance and brake systems to transmissions, steering, and suspension.
Courses Offered
The 69-credit Associate in Applied Science program can be completed in five terms.
A 37-credit Diploma option is also available and can be completed in three terms.
The program includes courses such as:
- Intro to Automotive Technology
- Automotive Shop Safety
- Automotive Electrical
- Fundamentals of Electricity Lab Automotive
- Fundamentals of Electricity
- Automotive Engine Repair
- And more
Contact Information
- Phone: 800-242-5106
- Website: https://iowalakes.edu
#6Des Moines Area Community College
About the School
Des Moines Area Community College offers an Automotive Mechanics Technology program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree.
The program educates students who are new to the automotive field and provides updates to those who are already employed in the industry.
Courses Offered
The following program options are available:
- Automotive Mechanics Technology, AAS
- Auto Chassis & Power Train, Diploma
- Auto Engines, & Tune-Up, Diploma
- Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair Technology, Diploma
- Automotive Minor Repair and Vehicle Maintenance, Certificate
The Auto Mechanics Technology curriculum includes courses such as:
- Shop Fundamentals & Minor Service
- Auto Brakes Systems & Service
- Auto Electricity/Electronics
- Basic Suspension & Steering
- Advanced Automotive Powertrain
- Automotive Engine Repair
- And more
Tuition is $201 per credit.
Contact Information
- Address: 1144 7th St, Des Moines, IA 50314
- Phone: (800) 362-2127
- Website: https://www.dmacc.edu
#7Hawkeye Community College
About the School
Hawkeye Community College offers an Automotive Technology AAS Degree program that helps students pursue a dynamic career with comprehensive training in automotive electronics, engine repair, and four-wheel drive systems, designed to fuel students’ passion for cars and drive their success in the industry.
Courses Offered
Students take classes such as:
- Auto Starting, Charging, and Electrical
- Automotive Advanced Brake Systems
- Automotive Brake Systems
- Automotive Computerized Engine Controls
- Automotive Electronics
- Automotive Fuel Systems
- And more
The Associate of Applied Science takes two years to complete.
Students gain several certifications in:
- NC3- Snap On Meter
- Diagnostics
- Service Information
- On-Car NC3 Procut Brake Iathe
- EPA 609 Refrigerant recovery and recycling
- ASE Student Certifications
Contact Information
- Address: 1501 East Orange Road, P.O. Box 8015, Waterloo, IA 50704-8015
- Phone: 319-296-4000
- Website: https://www.hawkeyecollege.edu
#8Marshmallow Community College
About the School
Marshmallow Community College offers a variety of academic programs that lead to degrees or diplomas.
Among many other career paths, the college offers an Automotive Technology program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science Degree after two years and to a Diploma in one year.
Courses Offered
The Diploma program consists of two terms of training and teaches classes such as:
- Automotive Shop Safety
- Automotive Engine Repair
- Basic Automotive Electricity
- Automotive Suspension and Steering
- Automotive Brake Systems
- Engine Performance
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3700 South Center Street, Marshalltown, Iowa 50158
- Phone: 641-752-7106
- Website: https://mcc.iavalley.edu
#9Iowa Western Community College
About the School
Iowa Western Community College offers a comprehensive Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science program.
Students gain real-world experience in the college’s lab, preparing themselves with specific knowledge to qualify for an entry-level position.
The program addresses:
- Engine repair
- Fuel and emission systems
- Electronic systems
- Brakes
- Air conditioning
- Steering and suspension systems
- Powertrain management systems
- And more
Courses Offered
The program teaches classes such as:
- Introduction to Automotive Technology
- Automotive Technology Lab
- Automotive Brake Systems and Service
- Electric Vehicle Systems
- Advanced Automotive Engine and Electronic Diagnostics
- Automotive Engine Repair and Rebuild
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2700 College Rd. Council Bluffs, IA 51503
- Phone: 712-325-3200
- Website: https://www.iwcc.edu
#10Penn Foster
About the School
Penn Foster offers an online Automotive Repair Technician program.
The program leads to a career diploma and can be completed in four months.
The online classes prepare students for auto repair jobs in a variety of settings, from repair shops to dealerships.
Students learn about engine repair, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, and electrical/electronic systems.
The program prepares students to sit for ASE Certification exams.
The online programs are flexible enough for students to finish them at a pace that works for them.
The online courses include:
- Automotive Repair Foundations
- Engine Repair
- Automotive Brakes
- Suspension and Steering
Contact Information
- Address: 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 USA
- Phone: 800-275-4410
- Website: https://www.pennfoster.edu
Schools Summary Table
Auto Mechanic Average Salary in Iowa
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$35K
|
|
|
$53K
|
|
|
$78K
|
Auto Mechanic Salary by Metro Area in Iowa
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA | 280 | $55,130 | $26.51 | $82,000 | $36,410 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 680 | $54,120 | $26.02 | $76,950 | $36,440 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 990 | $53,680 | $25.81 | $78,700 | $33,220 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 2,030 | $55,300 | $26.59 | $83,080 | $36,090 |
| Dubuque, IA | 260 | $54,410 | $26.16 | $77,000 | $37,030 |
| Iowa City, IA | 370 | $55,130 | $26.51 | $80,230 | $35,950 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | 370 | $53,570 | $25.76 | $78,120 | $35,940 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | 430 | $51,020 | $24.53 | $76,660 | $35,190 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
If you live in Iowa and you want to learn the skills needed for entry-level employment as an auto mechanic, the schools included in our list can get you ready for certification exams and entry-level employment in two years or less.
Now that you have read our selection, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best fits your lifestyle.
