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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Job Outlook

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.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Student working under a car in shop.
The median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $44,050 in May 2020.

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

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.

FAQ

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.

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