Automotive Technology

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.

Degrees and Certificates

We offer multiple curriculum paths for you if you are interested in Automotive Technology. 

The A.A.S. degree opens many doors and great earnings potential in the automotive repair industry and many related repair industries, too.

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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.

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We offer seven classes that enable you to earn 28 credits for your Automotive Technology Certificate. 

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Eight classes and 32 credit hours earn you our Automotive Technology Powertrain Certificate.

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Three classes and 12 credit hours earn you our Automotive Electrical Systems Certificate.

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Three classes and 12 credit hours earn you our Automotive Engines Certificate.

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Four classes and 16 credit hours earn you our Automotive Performance and Emissions Certificate.

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Three classes and 12 credit hours earn you our Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Certificate.

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Three classes and 12 credit hours earn you our Automotive Transmission and Powertrain Certificate.

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What's Next?

We are glad you are considering attending Oakton College. No matter where you are in your decision-making process, we are here to help you with your next steps. Whether you're ready to apply now, need information on paying for college or have questions and want to contact someone, we're here to help.

Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to show little or no change from 2021 to 2031.

Despite limited employment growth, about 73,300 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.

The median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $46,880 in 2021.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Student working under a car in shop.

Enrolling at Oakton College can save you thousands of dollars and help you earn more over the course of your career. Our tuition is among the lowest in the region, and we offer many ways to bring your costs down even more.

99 percent of Oakton students graduate without debt.

To help you get there, you can apply for a scholarship, which you don’t have to pay back. We award $12 million in scholarships annually. Financial Aid includes grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance that can reduce your costs of attending college.

We offer payment options that give you control over how you pay. Pay all at once or spread your payments over the course of the semester.

Learn more about your options for paying for your education

An Oakton College student smiles while using a computer.

As your community college, we serve students from various backgrounds. We aim to make the application process as easy and as clear as possible for everyone.

We can help you get started on a degree or certificate. Applying to Oakton is fast and easy.

Your first step before you begin your studies is filling out an admission application and completing your enrollment process.

Get Started at Oakton

Oakton College students celebrate graduating in full regalia.

Meet Your Faculty and Experts

Oakton's Automotive Technology program faculty will work with you to ensure you learn the skills you'll need to succeed. The Automotive Technology program curriculum is overseen by an expert advisory committee made up of local educators, community leaders, and professionals from the automotive industry.

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

Adkins, Kenneth
Teacher
Maine East High School

Baggot, Dave
Service Manager
McGrath Kia

Becker, Keith
Service Director
Biggers Mitsubishi

Buchholz, Michael
Wheels Inc.

Calis, Dwain
Manufacturer’s Representative
Hunter Engineering

Charewicz, Michael
ASE Technician and Owner
Accurate Auto Clinic

Chimon, Ninos
Service Manager
Arlington Toyota

Cuvala, Paulette A.
Industry Relations Representative
LKQ – Chicago

Delgado, Jerry
Express Team Manager
McGrath Lexus

Dufkis, Joel
Automotive Technology Instructor
Rolling Meadows High School

Elza, Steve
Applied Technology Teacher
Fremd High School

Foellmer, Joseph
Technician
Lima Excavating Contractors

Izaguirre, Robert
Fleet Sales Manager
Chicago Parts & Sound, LLC

Leiting, James
Account Manager
Snap-On Industrial

Giers, Bill
Service Director
Golf Mill Ford

Guarino, Mike
Shop Foreman
Fletcher Jones Audi

Guttenberg, Al
Discount Tire

Heim, Timothy
Automotive Instructor
Maine West High School

Krause, TJ
Personal Auto, CAD, CEA, E&D Faculty
Maine South High School

Ligman, Dave
Auto Teacher
Hoffman Estates High School

Lotta, Sam
General Manager
City Volkswagen of Evanston

Lucia, John
Star Nissan

Lynch, Michael
Owner
Mike’s Garage

Moreno, Francisco
Technical Trainer
ZF Transmissions

Norden, Gary
Professor of Automotive
Elgin Community College

Nunez, Sergio
Lecturer
Harry S Truman College

Radulski, Daniel
Sales Manager
Morton Grove Audi

Rasmussen, Barry
District Sales Manager
Chicago Parts & Sound

Schneider, Joshua
Service Leader
Tesla

Slowik, Tom
Shop Manager
Morton Grove Audi

Vail, George
Lake County Division of Transportation

Wallace, Josh
Fleet and Facilities Manager
Lake County Division of Transport

Weber, Patrick
President
Weber Automotive Services, Inc.

Zarnecki, Michael
Lexus/Field Technical Specialist (retired)
Lexus Division of Toyota Motor Sales

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