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If you are interested in the auto mechanic industry, you will first need some info.
So, read on to learn more about how to become an auto mechanic in Illinois.
Article Table of Contents
Auto Mechanic Training in Illinois
To start your career, you first have to join a training program.
In this state, there are numerous programs you can choose from.
Earn your accredited, affordable Auto Repair career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 4 months!
Remember you can decide to get a diploma or study to get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
The last 2 degrees will take longer to finish, and you will need to study for about 2 years.
Bu, a higher degree also provides better career opportunities in the future.
You can join the program if you meet the next requirements:
- A high school graduate or have a GED
- Good at math
- Computer proficient
- Good with physics
The credit hours vary from program to program will also differ, but the subjects will be the same.
The program you opt for needs accreditation by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).
You can find suitable auto mechanic programs in the following schools:
- Parkland College
- Universal Technical Institute
- Illinois Central College
You can also apply to get into a program before you even finish high school.
This will allow you to develop your skills faster and learn more about the job.
Getting an ASE Certification in Illinois
There is no requirement to get an ASE certification in this state.
Even so, most companies that are hiring auto mechanics do request certification.
You will need to pass an exam to be able to practice.
You also need to show proof of two years of related work experience.
After 5 years, this license expires, so you will have to renew it by taking the exam again.
In Illinois, you can opt to take an exam from the next categories:
- Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification Test (G1)
- Automobile & Light Truck Certification Tests (A Series)
- Collision Repair & Refinish Certification Tests (B Series)
- Damage Analysis & Estimating Certification Test (B6)
- Automobile Service Consultant Certification Test (C1)
- Truck Equipment Certification Tests (E Series)
- Alternate Fuels Certification Test (F1)
- Transit Bus Certification Tests (H Series)
- Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification Test (L1)
- Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist Certification Test (L2)
- Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist Test (L3)
- Engine Machinist Certification Tests (M Series)
- Parts Specialist Certification Tests (P Series)
- School Bus Certification Tests (S Series)
- Medium-Heavy Truck Certification Tests (T Series)
- Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems Test (X1)
You will be able to take the exam if you make an appointment with a testing center in your jurisdiction.
Getting an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification in Illinois
To perform work on Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning, you need to have this certification.
You can only receive it if you join a 609-refrigerant certification training program.
This is a course that you can take online and is followed by an exam.
To pass the exam, you have to get a minimum of 84%.
Getting a Manufacturer Certification in Illinois
This certification allows you to work on cars made by one manufacturer.
For that, you have to attend a program provided by any of the big manufacturers, like Ford, Honda, Chrysler, or BMW.
The classes will be focused on teaching you what you need to know about these manufacturers.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Illinois
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Lincoln College of Technology | 8317 W North Ave, Melrose Park, IL 60160 |
| Universal Technical Institute | 2611 Corporate W Dr, Lisle, IL 60532 |
| Fast Lane Automotive Training | 4235 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60651 |
| South Technical Center | Chicago, IL 60628 |
| Joliet Junior College C Building | 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431 |
| SIU Automotive Technology | 545 N Airport Rd, Murphysboro, IL 62966 |
| Highland Community College | 2998 W Pearl City Rd, Freeport, IL 61032 |
| Illinois Central College - East Peoria Campus | 1 College Dr, East Peoria, IL 61635 |
| Black Hawk College | 6600 34th Ave, Moline, IL 61265 |
| Carl Sandburg College | 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd, Galesburg, IL 61401 |
| Elgin Community College | 1700 Spartan Dr, Elgin, IL 60123 |
| College of Lake County | 19351 W Washington St, Grayslake, IL 60030 |
| Kaskaskia College | 27210 College Rd, Centralia, IL 62801 |
| Prairie State College | 202 S Halsted St, Chicago Heights, IL 60411 |
| Oakton Community College | 1600 Golf Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016 |
| Lewis and Clark Community College Benjamin Godfrey Campus | 5800 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey, IL 62035 |
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Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in Illinois
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), auto mechanics in this state have an average salary of $39,810 a year.
However, you can earn more if you are a top auto mechanic.
The top salaries total about $75,250 a year.
Even an entry-level position pays well, as the industry is a popular one in Illinois.
The salary you will earn depends on where you live, your certification but also how much experience you have.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Chicago | $42,560 |
| Aurora | $42,204 |
| Joliet | $41,504 |
| Rockford | $39,507 |
| Naperville | $41,794 |
| Springfield | $37,028 |
| Peoria | $38,749 |
| Elgin | $41,837 |
| Waukegan | $40,163 |
| Champaign | $37,686 |
Regional Salary in Illinois
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL | 440 | $50,030 | $24.06 | $75,260 | $29,570 |
| Carbondale-Marion, IL | 310 | $48,330 | $23.23 | $73,350 | $29,050 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 410 | $50,360 | $24.21 | $75,880 | $29,520 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 20,200 | $56,010 | $26.93 | $83,030 | $31,200 |
| Danville, IL | 140 | $48,010 | $23.08 | $67,790 | $28,550 |
| Decatur, IL | 200 | $49,440 | $23.77 | $74,900 | $29,320 |
| Kankakee, IL | 240 | $48,000 | $23.08 | $75,570 | $29,530 |
| Peoria, IL | 870 | $50,740 | $24.4 | $76,420 | $29,500 |
| Rockford, IL | 680 | $50,790 | $24.42 | $74,590 | $29,580 |
| Springfield, IL | 500 | $53,080 | $25.52 | $78,000 | $30,150 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Finding work as an auto mechanic in Illinois
In Illinois, the auto mechanic industry is becoming even more popular, with more jobs opening every year.
Usually, the highest salaries can be encountered in Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, and Bradley.
You will be able to get hired in a dealership, auto service, or garage in your region.
The most important part is to finish your program and get the certification you need.
This will help you build the career you have always wanted in this growing industry.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
Mechanic Schools by City
Mechanic Schools by State