Auto Mechanic Apprenticeships in Illinois

Illinois has 21 registered apprenticeship sponsors training auto mechanics — 2 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.

Registered sponsors

Union / joint programs

Median auto mechanic wage

$50,450

Illinois, all experience levels

Job growth 2022–2032

+2.3%

2,950 openings/yr

Largest Registered Sponsors

Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.

Sponsor	City	Program type
Iron Workers Local 392 Union / joint	EAST SAINT LOUIS	Multiple Employer
OPERATING ENGINEERS 150 Heavy Equipment JATF Union / joint	WILMINGTON	Multiple Employer
Graham Correctional Center	Hillsboro	Single Employer
Gustafson Ford LLC	Kewanee	Single Employer
Heartland Community College	Normal	Multiple Employer
ICI - Graham Correctional Center	Hillsboro	Single Employer
Illinois Central College	Peoria	Multiple Employer
John A. Logan College	Carterville	Multiple Employer
Kaskaskia College	Centralia	Multiple Employer
Lake Land College	Mattoon	Multiple Employer

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).

What Auto Mechanics Earn in Illinois

Wages

Median annual wage: $50,450
Average annual wage: $56,780
Auto Mechanics employed statewide: 26,710

Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.

10-year outlook

Projected growth 2022–2032: +2.3%
Average openings per year: 2,950
Employment: 33,770 → 34,540

Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.

Illinois Licensing for Auto Mechanics

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS RECYCLER

Education: Undetermined
Experience: Undetermined
Exam: Undetermined
Continuing education: Undetermined

Issuing agency: Illinois Secretary of State · agency website

REBUILDER

Education: Undetermined
Experience: Undetermined
Exam: Undetermined
Continuing education: Undetermined