Best colleges for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top colleges for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings are Alexandria Technical & Community College ($65,311), Illinois Central College ($58,122) and Community College of Aurora ($57,677), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Alexandria Technical & Community College (Alexandria, MN): $65,311, 55 graduates a year
- Illinois Central College (East Peoria, IL): $58,122, 36 graduates a year
- Community College of Aurora (Aurora, CO): $57,677, 30 graduates a year
- North Dakota State College of Science (Wahpeton, ND): $56,659, 100 graduates a year
- Mohawk Valley Community College (Utica, NY): $55,746, 39 graduates a year
Compare 911 U.S. colleges offering Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 54 states.
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $37,317 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 47.06 and the Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians occupation (BLS SOC).
About Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians programs
The Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians program prepares students for a career in the automotive industry, focusing on the skills needed to diagnose and repair various vehicle systems. This program is ideal for individuals who have a passion for mechanics and want to work hands-on with automobiles and other vehicles, ensuring they operate safely and efficiently.
Learn more about Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians →
Students in this program will gain core skills in critical thinking, mechanical knowledge, and customer service. Coursework covers essential topics such as vehicle diagnostics, repair techniques, and maintenance practices, equipping graduates with the expertise needed to excel in various automotive roles.
Top 25 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexandria Technical & Community College Alexandria, MN Public · Associate degree | $65,311 | 55 | 60% | — | $12,000 |
| 2 | Illinois Central College East Peoria, IL Public · Associate degree | $58,122 | 36 | 49% | — | — |
| 3 | Community College of Aurora Aurora, CO Public · Associate degree | $57,677 | 30 | 33% | — | — |
| 4 | North Dakota State College of Science Wahpeton, ND Public · Associate degree | $56,659 | 100 | 55% | — | $11,835 |
| 5 | Mohawk Valley Community College Utica, NY Public · Certificate | $55,746 | 39 | 38% | — | $8,250 |
| 6 | Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Broomfield, CO Private for-profit · Associate degree | $55,219 | 169 | 63% | $31,701 | $17,428 |
| 7 | Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology Okmulgee, OK Public · Associate degree | $55,088 | 104 | 42% | — | $11,425 |
| 8 | San Joaquin Valley College - Trades Education Center Fresno, CA Private for-profit · Certificate | $54,977 | 56 | 80% | $25,301 | $20,188 |
| 9 | Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls, MN Public · Associate degree | $53,652 | 23 | 47% | — | $12,000 |
| 10 | Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NE Public · Associate degree | $52,556 | 254 | 38% | — | $10,375 |
| 11 | Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics West Mifflin, PA Private not-for-profit · Associate degree | $52,407 | 337 | 76% | $31,614 | $16,163 |
| 12 | Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny, IA Public · Associate degree | $52,325 | 186 | 39% | — | $9,624 |
| 13 | Northwest Iowa Community College Sheldon, IA Public · Associate degree | $52,174 | 25 | 58% | — | $11,326 |
| 14 | Idaho State University Pocatello, ID Public · Associate degree | $52,132 | 99 | 39% | — | $14,572 |
| 15 | Vincennes University Vincennes, IN Public · Associate degree | $51,465 | 127 | 39% | — | $12,000 |
| 16 | Dakota County Technical College Rosemount, MN Public · Associate degree | $51,116 | 91 | 58% | — | $12,000 |
| 17 | Parkland College Champaign, IL Public · Associate degree | $51,093 | 76 | 32% | — | $7,000 |
| 18 | Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TX Public · Certificate | $50,956 | 257 | 34% | — | $17,000 |
| 19 | Indian Hills Community College Ottumwa, IA Public · Associate degree | $50,901 | 58 | 40% | — | $11,500 |
| 20 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA Private for-profit · Certificate | $50,618 | 121 | 63% | $22,497 | $32,500 |
| 21 | Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PA Public · Associate degree | $50,519 | 147 | 53% | — | $12,000 |
| 22 | Dixie Technical College Saint George, UT Public · Certificate | $50,289 | 53 | 77% | — | — |
| 23 | Victor Valley College Victorville, CA Public · Certificate | $49,729 | 103 | 62% | — | — |
| 24 | Iowa Central Community College Fort Dodge, IA Public · Associate degree | $49,556 | 51 | 42% | — | $12,000 |
| 25 | National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay Clearwater, FL Private for-profit · Certificate | $48,783 | 330 | 76% | $29,957 | $22,777 |
Specializations within Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
18 of the 18 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 47.06 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- Automobile/CIP 47.0604
Automotive Mechanics Technology/ Technician 46,331 graduates / yr762 institutions53 states - Diesel Mechanics Technology/CIP 47.0605
Technician 10,165 graduates / yr309 institutions48 states - Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0607
Technician 9,434 graduates / yr157 institutions42 states - Autobody/CIP 47.0603
Collision and Repair Technology/ Technician 5,352 graduates / yr264 institutions44 states - Aircraft Powerplant Technology/CIP 47.0608
Technician 3,661 graduates / yr97 institutions36 states - Medium/CIP 47.0613
Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/ Technician 2,278 graduates / yr87 institutions27 states - Marine Maintenance/CIP 47.0616
Fitter and Ship Repair Technology/ Technician 918 graduates / yr48 institutions23 states - Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0611
Technician 852 graduates / yr28 institutions20 states - Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0600
Technician 814 graduates / yr27 institutions18 states - Avionics Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0609
Technician 710 graduates / yr35 institutions22 states - High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/CIP 47.0617
Mechanic 479 graduates / yr13 institutions6 states - Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/CIP 47.0614
Technician 192 graduates / yr23 institutions10 states - Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0606
Technician 182 graduates / yr24 institutions15 states - Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/CIP 47.0699
Technicians 157 graduates / yr10 institutions9 states - Engine MachinistCIP 47.0615limited data55 graduates / yr2 institutions2 states
- Recreation Vehicle (RV) Service TechnicianCIP 47.0618limited data25 graduates / yr1 institutions1 states
- Bicycle Mechanics and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0610
Technician limited data9 graduates / yr2 institutions2 states - Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0612
Technician limited data2 graduates / yr1 institutions1 states
Offered across 54 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 49-3092, Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians program can pursue a range of careers in the automotive field. The job outlook is promising, with an expected growth rate of 11.5% and approximately 2,800 annual openings. The median wage for this profession is around $50,540, typically requiring a high school diploma or equivalent.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 47.06.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 47.06 (Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians) maps to 19 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 13-1032 | Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage |
| 17-3021 | Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians |
| 49-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers |
| 49-2091 | Avionics Technicians |
| 49-2093 | Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment |
| 49-2096 | Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles |
| 49-3011 | Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians |
| 49-3021 | Automotive Body and Related Repairers |
| 49-3022 | Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers |
| 49-3023 | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics |
| 49-3031 | Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists |
| 49-3051 | Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians |
| 49-3052 | Motorcycle Mechanics |
| 49-3053 | Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics |
| 49-3091 | Bicycle Repairers |
| 49-3092 | Recreational Vehicle Service Techniciansprimary |
| 51-2011 | Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers |
| 51-2031 | Engine and Other Machine Assemblers |
| 51-9124 | Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Diagnose and repair furnace or air conditioning systems.
- Connect electrical systems to outside power sources, and activate switches to test the operation of appliances or light fixtures.
- Examine or test operation of parts or systems to ensure completeness of repairs.
- Repair plumbing or propane gas lines, using caulking compounds and plastic or copper pipe.
- Inspect recreational vehicles to diagnose problems and perform necessary adjustment, repair, or overhaul.
- Locate and repair frayed wiring, broken connections, or incorrect wiring, using ohmmeters, soldering irons, tape, or hand tools.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies program?+
The program focuses on diagnosing and repairing various vehicle systems, preparing students for hands-on work in the automotive industry.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
Students will develop skills in critical thinking, mechanical knowledge, customer service, and vehicle diagnostics.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is strong, with an expected growth rate of 11.5% and about 2,800 annual openings.
What level of education is required for this field?+
Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required for careers in vehicle maintenance and repair.
How much do Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?+
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $37,317, College Scorecard (2019); the Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians occupation pays about $56,440 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians?+
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians maps to CIP 47.06 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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