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Car Tuning Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ritchie Bros.

Senior Software Engineer

Westchester, IL

$121K - $160K/yr

Database design and tuning experience. IAA Holdings, LLC (IAA) IAA Holdings, LLC (IAA), a Ritchie ... car companies, and charitable organizations. Buyers have access to multiple digital bidding and ...

Ritchie Bros.

Staff Data Scientist

Westchester, IL · On-site

... tuning, evaluation, deployment, and monitoring * Strong foundation in statistics, experimental ... car companies, and charitable organizations. Buyers have access to multiple digital bidding and ...

Ritchie Bros.

Senior Software Engineer

Westchester, IL

$121K - $160K/yr

... tuning. * RESTful API design - building and consuming well-structured, versioned APIs. * Solid ... car companies, and charitable organizations. Buyers have access to multiple digital bidding and ...

Ritchie Bros.

Software Engineer

Westchester, IL

... tuning. * RESTful API design - building and consuming well-structured, versioned APIs. * Solid ... car companies, and charitable organizations. Buyers have access to multiple digital bidding and ...

Ritchie Bros.

Software Engineer

Westchester, IL

... tuning. * RESTful API design - building and consuming well-structured, versioned APIs. * Solid ... car companies, and charitable organizations. Buyers have access to multiple digital bidding and ...

All JobsCar Tuning JobsCar Tuning Jobs in Chicago, IL

Car Tuning information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$19

$49

How much do car tuning jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for car tuning in Chicago, IL is $19.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a career in car tuning?

A career in car tuning involves modifying and optimizing vehicles for performance, appearance, or efficiency. Professionals typically need mechanical skills, knowledge of automotive systems, and may pursue certifications or apprenticeships; work environments include garages, tuning shops, or racing teams.

What is car tuning?

Car tuning is the process of modifying a vehicle to improve its performance, appearance, or handling. This can include adjustments to the engine, suspension, exhaust system, or computer software to boost power, increase fuel efficiency, or create a customized driving experience. Car enthusiasts often tune their vehicles for better speed, acceleration, or unique styling. Tuning can range from simple upgrades like replacing air filters to complex modifications like engine remapping.

What is the difference between Car Tuning vs Car Mechanics?

AspectCar TuningCar Mechanics
CredentialsOften no formal certification, but specialized tuning coursesCertified automotive technician or mechanic license
Work EnvironmentPerformance shops, custom garages, racing teamsAuto repair shops, service centers, dealerships
Industry UsageEnhancing vehicle performance and aestheticsMaintaining and repairing vehicles
Common Search IntentPerformance upgrades, ECU tuning, custom modificationsDiagnostics, repairs, routine maintenance

Car tuning focuses on modifying vehicles to improve performance, aesthetics, and customization, often involving ECU remapping and parts upgrades. Car mechanics perform general repairs, diagnostics, and maintenance to ensure vehicle safety and functionality. While both roles work within the automotive industry, tuning emphasizes performance enhancement, whereas mechanics focus on repair and upkeep.

What are car tuning jobs?

Car tuning jobs involve modifying the engine or body of a car to prepare it for a race or exhibition. An auto technician, or performance technician, alters the car’s engine or software to increase the car's speed, handling, or other measurable performance. Auto body specialists make cosmetic additions or changes to the body of the vehicle, such as body kits, spoilers, and side skirts. They may also add visuals using vinyl wraps, paint, or stencils. Car tuners often choose to specialize; they may focus on engine or body modifications, or they may specialize further and only modify certain manufacturers or types of cars.

How much do car tuners get paid?

Car tuners typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work independently or for a shop. Skilled tuners with certifications and specialized tools can earn higher wages, especially in high-demand markets.

What are some common challenges car tuners face when working on modern vehicles?

Car tuners often face challenges when working on modern vehicles due to the complexity of electronic control units (ECUs) and integrated software systems. Many newer cars require specialized tools and up-to-date knowledge of proprietary software to safely modify performance settings without causing drivability issues or voiding warranties. Additionally, tuners must stay informed about evolving emission standards and legal regulations, which can vary by region and impact the types of modifications allowed. Working collaboratively with other automotive professionals, such as mechanics and diagnostic technicians, is often necessary to ensure optimal results and compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a car tuning specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Car Tuning Specialist, you need in-depth automotive knowledge, mechanical aptitude, and experience with engine management systems, often supported by relevant technical training or automotive certifications. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, ECU tuning software, and performance measurement systems is essential for effective modifications. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong customer communication skills help ensure client satisfaction and high-quality results. These skills and qualities are crucial for optimizing vehicle performance safely and meeting customer expectations in a specialized automotive field.
More about Car Tuning jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Car Tuning jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Car Tuning jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Car Tuning jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Car Tuning jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Car Tuning jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Car Tuning jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Car Tuning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Car Tuning job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 46% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,846 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer

Ritchie Bros.

Westchester, IL

$121K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 19 rated auctioneers

Job description

The Software Engineer, as a member of the software development team, will be focused on developing/enhancing/maintaining our proprietary e-commerce software platform. Our customers trust our company when buying and selling the heavy equipment, trucks and other capital assets they use to run their businesses

  • Takes ownership of parts of the microservices architecture.
  • Provide inputs in shaping up project delivery schedule by estimating the assigned work and time that would be spent.
  • Identify areas that are not clearly defined, know whether to escalate to senior team members to have broader discussions, or find a technical solution on your own.
  • Responsible for diving into a large code base, comprehend various components, and start to contribute to the code base in a short period of time.
  • Clarifies (sometimes non-technical) requirements (or problem) descriptions, quickly locate corresponding system components, work with other engineers (as necessary) to come up with technical solutions.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements: 
  • Prior experience building software in a professional, multi-team environment
  • Skills in building and maintaining scalable, fault-tolerant products
  • Knowledge of Agile and the full software development lifecycle, including deployment and operation
  • Be dedicated to the quality of your work through unit testing, automation testing, and assisting our 3-tier support staff when incidents arise
  • Deep prior experience building software in a professional, multi-team environment.
  • At least seven (7) years of .NET Development leveraging .NET10, MinimalAPI, modern microservices architecture.  
  • HTML/CSS/JavaScript foundations with knowledge in the React framework. An eye for developing and consuming RESTful web services
  • Database experience with Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL. Database design and tuning experience.

IAA Holdings, LLC (IAA)


IAA Holdings, LLC (IAA), a Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers company (NYSE: RBA) and (TSX: RBA), is a trusted global marketplace for insights, services, and transaction solutions for commercial assets and vehicles. Leveraging leading-edge technology and focusing on innovation, IAA's unique platform facilitates the marketing and sale of total-loss, damaged and low-value vehicles. IAA serves a global buyer base - located throughout over 170 countries - and a full spectrum of sellers, including insurers, dealerships, fleet lease and rental car companies, and charitable organizations. Buyers have access to multiple digital bidding and buying channels, innovative vehicle merchandising, and efficient evaluation services, enhancing the overall purchasing experience. IAA offers sellers a comprehensive suite of services aimed at maximizing vehicle value, reducing administrative costs, shortening selling cycle time and delivering the highest economic returns.

RB Global full-time employees are offered medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurances. Employees are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan and RB Global will match 100% for the first 4% contributed.  Employees will also receive 15 days of PTO each year.


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