Career Spotlight: Automotive Technology and Collision Repair
Is fixing cars a good career? Absolutely.
Mechanics and collision repair technicians are in demand. That’s because more people are choosing to repair their vehicles and drive them longer. In 2024, the average age of passenger vehicles in the U.S. was 12.6 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Fixing a car can be more affordable than buying a new one. Vehicles are expensive. In fall 2024, a new vehicle on average cost more than $47,000, reports Edmunds, which tracks this data. The average used car cost about $27,000.
You can keep vehicles running well and looking good if you have the right skills and education in automotive technology or auto collision repair.
Do automotive jobs pay well?
You can make decent money working in this field, but you may start out at an entry level salary. Your earning potential increases with experience and training. You can get this from auto technician and collision repair schools.
This is a good career path that's always in demand.
What kind of automotive job can I get?
Jobs generally fall into two categories: service and collision repair.
What does an automotive service technician do?
A service technician or mechanic maintains the technology that makes a vehicle run. You may
- perform oil changes and brake replacements
- repair problems with the engine, suspension, steering, transmission or heating/air conditioning
- repair sensors, electronics and cameras
- troubleshoot a vehicle’s built-in computer system
Some mechanics specialize in certain kinds of work. Others work on specific types of vehicles.
What does an auto body repair technician do?
A repair technician fixes structural and non-structural damage on a vehicle. You may
- repair dings, scratches, dents, rust, cracks, crumples and shears
- refinish or repaint vehicles
- restore metal, plastic and other systems
- provide custom painting and design elements
Collision repair technicians use skill and artistry to restore vehicles.
How do I get started in automotive?
Attend a trusted school like College of Lake County (CLC) in Grayslake.
Its automotive technology and collision repair programs help you get in-demand jobs. No experience is necessary because learning is hands-on. This includes internships and apprenticeships with local employers.
CLC offers degree and career certificate programs. You can become a master automotive technician or earn a short-term career certificate to start working right away. Stack certificates to build your expertise over time.
You'll learn to work on hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). CLC recently got a $500,000 grant to help students do this. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, more hybrids and EVs are on the road than ever before. That means higher demand for workers who can maintain and repair them.
Learning to be a car mechanic or body repair technician can be hard, but worth it. Besides the good job prospects, you’ll learn from instructors who have real-world experience. You’ll get personal attention and feedback because class sizes are small.
CLC automotive classes are held in state-of-the-art facilities at the Grayslake campus.
How much does automotive school cost?
The cost of school varies, depending on the program. At CLC, programs range from about $3,000 to $15,000 before financial aid and scholarships.
Financial aid can help fund your education. This includes scholarships like the Metallica Scholars Initiative.
Grant money is available to help you earn a career certificate. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides funding. Adult learners taking high school diploma and ESL classes at CLC also get help covering these costs.