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Verified by IA Board of Trades

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Licensing in Iowa

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $48,400 median (3% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #32 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of $48,400, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss in Iowa earn 3% below the national median of $49,670. Iowa ranks #32 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$48,400

Hourly estimate

$23.27
3% below national median

Difference: -$1,270

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$35,390
  • P2525th percentile$38,160
  • P50Median$48,400
  • P7575th percentile$63,070
  • P9090th percentile$78,410

State vs National Median

State: $48,400
National: $49,670

Total employment: 8,060 | Annual openings: N/A

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary Ranking

#32 of 50 statesfor Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$63,370
#2Alaska$61,950
#3Colorado$59,340
#4New Hampshire$58,460
#5Washington$57,790

Nearby States Comparison

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$48,400Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$57,470Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$50,990Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Illinois$50,450Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Missouri$46,710Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$48,810Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$48,410Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Illinois72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Missouri62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing

6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50325

Phone: 5152814822

Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$70,080Specific course requiredVaries by board
Carpenter$54,080Specific course requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$63,830Specific course requiredVaries by board
Crane Operator$55,620Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Iowa?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss in Iowa?

Iowa lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss.

What education do you need to become a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Iowa?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss in Iowa is $48,400. Salaries range from $35,390 (10th percentile) to $78,410 (90th percentile).

How does the Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary in Iowa compare to the national average?

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss in Iowa earn 3% below the national median of $49,670, with a state median of $48,400.

How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 8,060 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics license to Iowa from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss in Iowa?

The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing. Review agency details at https://dial.iowa.gov/i-need/licenses/medical/nursing-professional-midwifery.

How often do you renew a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics license in Iowa?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.