Best institutions to study Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the maintenance of alternative fuel vehicles and the conversion of standard vehicles to AFV status.
23 U.S. institutions graduated 192 Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 47.0614, a specialization of Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.06), and leads most directly to the Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics occupation (BLS SOC 49-3023).
About Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the maintenance of alternative fuel vehicles and the conversion of standard vehicles to AFV status. Includes instruction in electrical vehicles, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, hybrid fuel technology, electrical and electronic systems, engine performance, diagnosis and repair, and conversion/installation.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician program prepares students to maintain and repair alternative fuel vehicles, including electric, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. This program is ideal for individuals interested in the evolving automotive industry, focusing on sustainable and environmentally friendly vehicle technologies.
Students will gain technical knowledge in areas such as electrical and electronic systems, engine performance, and hybrid fuel technology. Coursework includes hands-on training in diagnosing and repairing alternative fuel vehicles, as well as the conversion of standard vehicles to alternative fuel status.
Credentials awarded
What Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year102 graduates / yr · 18 institutions53%
- Associate's degree62 graduates / yr · 9 institutions32%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years25 graduates / yr · 5 institutions13%
- Award of less than 12 weeks3 graduates / yr · 1 institution1.6%
Graduates over time
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 53 |
| 2013 | 120 |
| 2014 | 138 |
| 2015 | 155 |
| 2016 | 142 |
| 2017 | 107 |
| 2018 | 144 |
| 2019 | 115 |
| 2020 | 213 |
| 2021 | 112 |
| 2022 | 147 |
| 2023 | 143 |
| 2024 | 412 |
| 2025 | 192 |
Top 23 institutions for Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Northwestern Ohio Lima, OHPrivate not-for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 35 | 54% | $19,592 | $42,338 |
| 2 | Rio Hondo College Whittier, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 25 | 25% | — | — |
| 3 | Chattanooga State Community College Chattanooga, TNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 21 | 26% | — | $35,028 |
| 4 | Wichita State University - Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology Wichita, KSPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 19 | 43% | — | $47,014 |
| 5 | Heartland Community College Normal, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 18 | 54% | — | — |
| 6 | Evergreen Valley College San Jose, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 41% | — | — |
| 7 | Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 35% | — | — |
| 8 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 40% | — | $37,317 |
| 9 | San Diego Miramar College San Diego, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 48% | — | $43,285 |
| 10 | Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NMPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 31% | — | $36,594 |
| 11 | Long Beach City College Long Beach, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 30% | — | — |
| 12 | Modesto Junior College Modesto, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 30% | — | — |
| 13 | Fresno City College Fresno, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 24% | — | — |
| 14 | Kaskaskia College Centralia, ILPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 3 | 49% | — | — |
| 15 | Las Positas College Livermore, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 3 | 53% | — | — |
| 16 | City College of San Francisco San Francisco, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 40% | — | — |
| 17 | Saddleback College Mission Viejo, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 48% | — | — |
| 18 | Central Oregon Community College Bend, ORPublicAssociate's | 2 | 25% | — | — |
| 19 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest Newbern, TNPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 2 | 69% | — | $31,480 |
| 20 | Mission College Santa Clara, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 39% | — | — |
| 21 | Santa Rosa Junior College Santa Rosa, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 37% | — | — |
| 22 | Massasoit Community College Brockton, MAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 19% | — | — |
| 23 | Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 42% | — | $42,294 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 47.06) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 10 states
Where Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 12 | 75 | Rio Hondo College25 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 35 | University of Northwestern Ohio35 / yr |
| Tennessee | 2 | 23 | Chattanooga State Community College21 / yr |
| Illinois | 2 | 21 | Heartland Community College18 / yr |
| Kansas | 1 | 19 | Wichita State University - Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology19 / yr |
| Indiana | 1 | 9 | Ivy Tech Community College9 / yr |
| New Mexico | 1 | 6 | Central New Mexico Community College6 / yr |
| Oregon | 1 | 2 | Central Oregon Community College2 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 1 | 1 | Massasoit Community College1 / yr |
| Minnesota | 1 | 1 | Hennepin Technical College1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 49-3023, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. The job outlook is promising, with an expected growth rate of 4.2% and approximately 70,000 annual openings. The median wage for this occupation is $49,670, typically requiring a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 47.0614
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicsprimary SOC 49-3023 | $50,620 | +4.2% About as fast as average | ~70,000 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
- Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
- Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
- Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
- Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
- Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
Tools and technology used
Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 17 other 6-digit CIP codes under Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.06).
- Automobile/CIP 47.0604
Automotive Mechanics Technology/ Technician 46,331 graduates / yr762 institutions - Diesel Mechanics Technology/CIP 47.0605
Technician 10,165 graduates / yr309 institutions - Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0607
Technician 9,434 graduates / yr157 institutions - Autobody/CIP 47.0603
Collision and Repair Technology/ Technician 5,352 graduates / yr264 institutions - Aircraft Powerplant Technology/CIP 47.0608
Technician 3,661 graduates / yr97 institutions - Medium/CIP 47.0613
Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/ Technician 2,278 graduates / yr87 institutions - Marine Maintenance/CIP 47.0616
Fitter and Ship Repair Technology/ Technician 918 graduates / yr48 institutions - Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0611
Technician 852 graduates / yr28 institutions - Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0600
Technician 814 graduates / yr27 institutions - Avionics Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0609
Technician 710 graduates / yr35 institutions - High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/CIP 47.0617
Mechanic 479 graduates / yr13 institutions - Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0606
Technician 182 graduates / yr24 institutions - Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/CIP 47.0699
Technicians 157 graduates / yr10 institutions - Engine MachinistCIP 47.0615limited data55 graduates / yr2 institutions
- Recreation Vehicle (RV) Service TechnicianCIP 47.0618limited data25 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Bicycle Mechanics and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0610
Technician limited data9 graduates / yr2 institutions - Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0612
Technician limited data2 graduates / yr1 institutions
See all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What types of vehicles will I learn to work on?+
You will learn to work on electric, LPG, CNG, and hybrid fuel vehicles.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop critical thinking, active listening, and technical skills in vehicle maintenance.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with 70,000 annual openings.
What credentials can I earn?+
You can earn an Award of at least 12 weeks, an Associate's degree, or other awards.
What is the CIP code for Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician?+
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician is CIP 47.0614 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.06). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the maintenance of alternative fuel vehicles and the conversion of standard vehicles to AFV status. Includes instruction in electrical vehicles, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, hybrid fuel technology, electrical and electronic systems, engine performance, diagnosis and repair, and conversion/installation.
How many institutions offer Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician programs?+
23 U.S. institutions reported Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 10 states, awarding 192 credentials in the year. That is 0.2% of all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics occupation, which Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $50,620 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $42,294 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
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.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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