As long as people need cars, there will be high demand for jobs in automotive technology. A well-trained automotive technician can earn in the 40-50 thousand dollars a year range, and sometimes more.
If you're interested in cars and want to build a career around working with them, Oakton's Automotive Technology program is for you. It offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) as well as the Automotive Technology and Automotive Technology Powertrain certificates. The curriculum is designed to fulfill the accreditation requirements of the (Automotive Service Excellence Educational Foundation) ASEEF which provides the training for entry-level technicians.
This program offers classes for those already working in the field who are looking to upskill for those with little to no automotive experience, who are looking to get into the highly-skilled automotive technology trade. Classes meet during the day and in the evening, and students can complete the program within three semesters.
The A.A.S. degree opens many doors and great earnings potential in the automotive repair industry and many related repair industries, too.
Three classes and 12 credit hours earn you our Automotive Under Car Certificate. This certificate is recommended to start with if you are just starting out.
We offer seven classes that enable you to earn 28 credits for your Automotive Technology Certificate.
Eight classes and 32 credit hours earn you our Automotive Technology Powertrain Certificate.
Three classes and 12 credit hours earn you our Automotive Electrical Systems Certificate.
Three classes and 12 credit hours earn you our Automotive Engines Certificate.
Four classes and 16 credit hours earn you our Automotive Performance and Emissions Certificate.
Three classes and 12 credit hours earn you our Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Certificate.
Three classes and 12 credit hours earn you our Automotive Transmission and Powertrain Certificate.
Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to show little or no change from 2020 to 2030.
Despite limited employment growth, about 69,000 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Employers prefer that automotive service technicians and mechanics complete a program at a postsecondary institution. Industry certification is usually required once the person is employed.
Michael Peat, Chair
Professor of Automotive Technology
mpeat@oakton.edu847.635.1906
Office: Room 1852
Meet our part-time faculty
Joe Foellmer
Lecturer
jfoelleme@oakton.edu
847.376.7206
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Skokie
Sergio Nunez Mendoza
Lecturer
snunez@oakton.edu
847.376.7206
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Skokie
George Vail
Lecturer
gvail@oakton.edu
847.376.7206
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Skokie
Licensure Requirements: Each state and territory has different licensure and certification requirements. Oakton has researched and/or contacted state licensing authorities to confirm that the program meets the educational requirements leading to professional licensure or certification.
Licensure information is reviewed and updated on this site in June of each year. As of July 1, 2020, we have determined that individuals that sit for and earn their Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification exams after successful completion Oakton’s Automotive Technology course and program curriculum:
Meets the education requirements leading to licensure/certification in these states and U.S. Territories: Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Does NOT meet the education requirements For licensure/certification in these states and U.S. Territories:
We have not made a determination if the program curriculum meets the requirements for licensure/certification in these states and US Territories:
If you intend to practice in any state other than Illinois, you should contact the appropriate licensing agency to independently verify whether Oakton’s program satisfies the educational requirements for licensure in a particular state before beginning Oakton’s program. Be aware that state licensure requirements may change from time to time and that states may have conditions for licensure in addition to educational requirements.