Career Spotlight: Automotive Technology and Automotive Collision Repair
Is fixing cars a good career? Absolutely.
Auto mechanics and auto collision repair technicians are in demand. That’s because more people are choosing to repair their vehicles and drive them longer. In 2023, the average age of passenger cars and light trucks in the U.S. was 12.5 years1.
Fixing a car also can be more affordable than buying a new one. Vehicles are expensive. In 2023, a new vehicle cost more than $48,0002 and a used one ran about $27,0003 on average.
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 automotive, 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.
Experienced automotive service technicians and mechanics in Lake County, Illinois, typically make $47,0004 a year. Senior mechanics earn more than $81,000 on average.
An experienced auto collision repair technician in Lake County earns about $49,0005 a year. The auto body technician salary for a senior repair specialist is more than $83,000 on average.
What kind of automotive job can I get?
Automotive jobs generally fall into two categories: service and collision repair.
What does an automotive service technician do?
An automotive service technician or mechanic maintains the technology that makes a vehicle run. A service technician 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 auto technicians specialize in certain kinds of work. Others work on specific types of vehicles. Being an automotive technician is a good career with a strong future.
What does an auto body repair technician do?
An auto body repair technician fixes structural and non-structural damage on a vehicle. A collision or body repair technician 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
Auto body repair technicians use skill and artistry to restore vehicles. Being a collision repair technician is a good career that’s always in demand.
How do I get started in automotive?
You need skills and education to start working in automotive. This prepares you for the highest-paying jobs in automotive technology and collision repair.
College of Lake County (CLC) in Grayslake, Ill., is a trusted automotive school. Its automotive technology and collision repair programs help you get in-demand jobs. No experience is necessary because learning is hands-on. CLC helps you get additional experience through internships and apprenticeships with local employers.
CLC offers degree and career certificate programs. You can earn a master automotive technician degree at CLC. Collision repair degrees also are available. Or you can complete a short-term career certificate to start an automotive career fast. You even can stack certificates to build your expertise over time.
Hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) are a focus at CLC. The school got a $500,000 grant to help students gain skills to work on these advanced vehicles. More hybrids and EVs are on the road than ever before6. That means higher demand for workers who can maintain and repair them.
Learning to be a car mechanic or car body repair technician can be hard, but worth it. Besides the good job prospects, you’ll learn from CLC 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 automotive 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 in automotive. 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.
Sources:
1 "Average Age of Automobiles and Trucks in Operation in the United States | Bureau of Transportation Statistics.” Www.bts.gov, 2023, www.bts.gov/content/average-age-automobiles-and-trucks-operation-united-states.
2 “New-Vehicle Prices down Record 2.4% Year over Year in December 2023.” B2B KBB, 11 Jan. 2024, b2b.kbb.com/dealer-resources/news/new-vehicle-prices-down-december-2023-2/. Accessed 11 June 2024.
3 “U.S. Used Vehicles Average List Price 2023.” Statista, www.statista.com/statistics/1267409/us-used-vehicles-average-list-price. Accessed 11 June 2024.
4 “Master Automotive Service Technology A.A.S. - Career Degree.” CLC - Public Site, www.clcillinois.edu/programs/egrdv/automotive-technology/master-automotive-service-technician-aas-career-degree. Accessed 11 June 2024. Annual or hourly earnings for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Lake and Cook Counties from Lightcast data.
5 “Automotive Collision Repair: Non-Structural Repair A.A.S. - Career Degree.” CLC - Public Site, www.clcillinois.edu/programs/egrdv/automotive-collision-repair/automotive-collision-repair-nonstructural-repair-specialty-track-aas-career-degree. Accessed 11 June 2024. Annual or hourly earnings for automotive body and related repairers in Lake and Cook Counties from Lightcast data.
6 Bureau of Transportation Statistics. “Hybrid-Electric, Plug-in Hybrid-Electric and Electric Vehicle Sales | Bureau of Transportation Statistics.” Www.bts.gov, 21 June 2022, www.bts.gov/content/gasoline-hybrid-and-electric-vehicle-sales.