Automotive Technician Career Guide in Illinois
Explore automotive technician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Illinois.
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How to Become an Automotive Technician in Illinois
Automotive technicians in Illinois commonly prepare through a community college, technical school, manufacturer-sponsored program, apprenticeship, or supervised employer training. Programs typically cover engine performance, brakes, steering and suspension, electrical and electronic systems, transmissions, computerized diagnostics, hybrid and electric vehicle safety, and shop safety.
ASE certification is an industry credential and is generally voluntary unless required by an employer or a specialized state program. Technicians who service motor-vehicle air-conditioning systems or handle regulated refrigerants must obtain the applicable EPA Section 609 certification. State inspection or emissions credentials apply only when performing those regulated services.
Most automotive technicians in Illinois complete automotive technology programs at community colleges or technical schools. Training includes engine repair, computerized diagnostics, electrical systems, brakes, steering and suspension, emissions systems, and hybrid/electric vehicle technologies.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Automotive Technician Salary in Illinois
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Illinois median wage for automotive technician workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $49,670, the median wage in Illinois is approximately $780 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Automotive Technicians in Illinois
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONAutomotive Technician Training Requirements in Illinois
Illinois automotive technicians commonly prepare through a community college, technical school, manufacturer-sponsored program, apprenticeship, or supervised employer training. The state does not prescribe one mandatory training pathway for general automotive repair employment.
Technicians should obtain specialized instruction before servicing hybrid or electric vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems, or motor-vehicle air-conditioning equipment. EPA Section 609 certification is required for regulated refrigerant work.
Engine & Transmission Systems
Technicians learn to diagnose and repair gasoline and light-duty diesel engines and transmissions.
Electrical & Diagnostic Systems
Training includes onboard diagnostics (OBD-II), wiring systems, sensors, and electronic control modules.
Brake & Suspension Systems
Programs cover inspection, maintenance, and repair of braking systems, steering components, suspension, and alignment.
Emissions Testing Programs
Chicago and Metro East regions require certified emissions inspection technicians under Illinois EPA programs.
ASE Certification Preparation
ASE certification is widely preferred across dealerships and independent repair shops.
Automotive Technician Training Providers in Illinois
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Illinois University | Carbondale | View Program |
| College of DuPage | Glen Ellyn | View Program |
| Lincoln Land Community College | Springfield | View Program |
| City Colleges of Chicago (Wilbur Wright College) | Chicago | View Program |
| Lewis and Clark Community College | Godfrey | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESAutomotive Technician Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois
Automotive Technician Apprenticeship
Organization: Illinois Department of Employment Security
Automotive Technician Licensing Requirements in Illinois
Illinois does not require a statewide automotive technician license. However, technicians performing emissions testing in the Chicago and Metro East areas must obtain Illinois EPA Vehicle Emissions Testing certification. ASE certification is widely preferred by employers.
Illinois does not require a general individual occupational license for automotive service technicians and mechanics. Employers may require education, experience, ASE certification, manufacturer training, or other qualifications appropriate to the position.
The Illinois vehicle emissions inspection program is administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and operated through the program's testing network. Its vehicle-testing requirements should not be presented as a statewide personal license for ordinary automotive repair technicians.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSAutomotive Technician Job Outlook in Illinois
Illinois has steady demand for automotive technicians driven by large urban populations, strong dealership networks, major transportation hubs, and mandatory emissions testing in key metropolitan areas such as Chicago.
Illinois projects employment for automotive service technicians and mechanics to grow by approximately 2% from 2022 to 2032, with about 2,950 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the automotive technician salary in Illinois?
The statewide median wage for automotive technicians in Illinois is approximately $50,450 per year, or $24.25 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Illinois require automotive technician licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for automotive technician workers in Illinois. Local jurisdictions, employers, or specific work scopes may still impose requirements, so applicants should verify current rules before beginning work.
How long does it take to become an automotive technician in Illinois?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are automotive technicians in demand in Illinois?
Illinois projects automotive technician employment to grow by approximately 2% from 2022 to 2032, with about 2,950 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Illinois Wages for Automotive Technician (SOC 49-3023) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois Automotive Technician Wages
- Illinois Automotive Technician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois Automotive Technician Employment Trends
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency — Licensing authority. Illinois Environmental Protection Agency