Best institutions to study Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the specialized maintenance and repair of trucks, buses, and other commercial and industrial vehicles.
87 U.S. institutions graduated 2,278 Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 47.0613, 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 Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the specialized maintenance and repair of trucks, buses, and other commercial and industrial vehicles. Includes instruction in diesel engine mechanics, suspension and steering, brake systems, electrical and electronic systems, preventive maintenance inspections, drive trains, gasoline engine mechanics, HVAC systems, and auxiliary equipment installation and repair.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician program prepares individuals to specialize in the maintenance and repair of trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles. This program is designed for those interested in pursuing a career in the mechanic and repair technologies field, focusing on the technical skills required for vehicle upkeep and safety.
Students will gain knowledge in diesel engine mechanics, suspension and steering systems, brake systems, and electrical systems. Coursework also includes preventive maintenance inspections and the installation and repair of auxiliary equipment, equipping graduates with essential skills for the industry.
Credentials awarded
What Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years1,146 graduates / yr · 59 institutions50%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year732 graduates / yr · 42 institutions32%
- Associate's degree294 graduates / yr · 31 institutions13%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years86 graduates / yr · 4 institutions3.8%
- Award of less than 12 weeks20 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.9%
Graduates over time
Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 660 |
| 2013 | 659 |
| 2014 | 1,045 |
| 2015 | 1,921 |
| 2016 | 2,235 |
| 2017 | 2,603 |
| 2018 | 2,490 |
| 2019 | 2,541 |
| 2020 | 2,427 |
| 2021 | 2,243 |
| 2022 | 2,101 |
| 2023 | 2,030 |
| 2024 | 2,096 |
| 2025 | 2,278 |
Top 50 institutions for Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck 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 | Nashville Auto - Diesel College Nashville, TNPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 123 | 68% | $28,799 | $35,905 |
| 2 | Lincoln College of Technology - Denver Denver, COPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 118 | 71% | $33,052 | $35,905 |
| 3 | Lincoln College of Technology - Grand Prairie Grand Prairie, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 101 | 73% | $31,422 | $35,905 |
| 4 | Lincoln Technical Institute - South Plainfield South Plainfield, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 97 | 77% | $29,654 | $35,905 |
| 5 | Lincoln College of Technology - Indianapolis Indianapolis, INPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 66 | 57% | $30,992 | $35,905 |
| 6 | Fort Hays State University - Northwest Kansas Technical College Goodland, KSPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 66 | 73% | — | $41,638 |
| 7 | Central Piedmont Community College Charlotte, NCPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 64 | 31% | — | $44,653 |
| 8 | Lincoln Technical Institute - East Windsor East Windsor, CTPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 55 | 62% | $27,142 | $32,767 |
| 9 | Northeast Technology Center Pryor, OKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 54 | 97% | — | $31,330 |
| 10 | Chattahoochee Technical College Marietta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 49 | 38% | — | — |
| 11 | Washburn Institute of Technology Topeka, KSPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 47 | 68% | — | $35,875 |
| 12 | Forsyth Technical Community College Winston-Salem, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 46 | 34% | — | $31,633 |
| 13 | Johnston Community College Smithfield, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 43 | 37% | — | — |
| 14 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 41 | 40% | — | $37,317 |
| 15 | Davidson - Davie Community College Thomasville, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 41 | 46% | — | $39,326 |
| 16 | Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 39 | 38% | — | $52,556 |
| 17 | Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, NCPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 37 | 33% | — | — |
| 18 | James Sprunt Community College Kenansville, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 36 | 48% | — | — |
| 19 | Wilkes Community College Wilkesboro, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 36 | 55% | — | $24,245 |
| 20 | Advanced Technology Institute Virginia Beach, VAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 36 | 79% | $19,848 | $38,942 |
| 21 | Williston State College Williston, NDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 35 | 42% | — | — |
| 22 | Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Valdosta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 31 | 50% | — | — |
| 23 | Manatee Technical College Bradenton, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 30 | 64% | — | $31,290 |
| 24 | Asheville - Buncombe Technical Community College Asheville, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 30 | 40% | — | $37,714 |
| 25 | Cape Fear Community College Wilmington, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 30 | 34% | — | — |
| 26 | Athens Technical College Athens, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 30 | 51% | — | — |
| 27 | Baton Rouge Community College Baton Rouge, LAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 30 | 31% | — | $40,880 |
| 28 | Francis Tuttle Technology Center Oklahoma City, OKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 29 | 52% | — | $29,418 |
| 29 | Tulsa Technology Center Tulsa, OKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 28 | 81% | — | $36,437 |
| 30 | Ohio Technical College Cleveland, OHPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 27 | 90% | $28,679 | $34,312 |
| 31 | Lanier Technical College Gainesville, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 26 | 34% | — | — |
| 32 | Great Basin College Elko, NVPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 26 | 41% | — | — |
| 33 | Pinellas Technical College - Clearwater Clearwater, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 25 | 52% | — | $40,025 |
| 34 | Southern Oklahoma Technology Center Ardmore, OKPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 25 | 83% | — | — |
| 35 | Southwest University at El Paso El Paso, TXPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 25 | 59% | $19,240 | $27,925 |
| 36 | Oconee Fall Line Technical College Sandersville, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 24 | 65% | — | — |
| 37 | Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 24 | 47% | — | $42,493 |
| 38 | Northeastern Junior College Sterling, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of less than 12 weeks | 23 | 56% | — | — |
| 39 | Gordon Cooper Technology Center Shawnee, OKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 23 | 90% | — | $47,876 |
| 40 | Dakota County Technical College Rosemount, MNPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 22 | 58% | — | $51,116 |
| 41 | Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 22 | 31% | — | $42,264 |
| 42 | Houston City College Houston, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 22 | 17% | — | $37,377 |
| 43 | First Coast Technical College Saint Augustine, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 21 | 77% | — | — |
| 44 | Atlanta Technical College Atlanta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 49% | — | $27,448 |
| 45 | South Georgia Technical College Americus, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 61% | — | $28,841 |
| 46 | Lake Technical College Eustis, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 19 | 47% | — | $29,912 |
| 47 | Traviss Technical College Lakeland, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 19 | 90% | — | $35,210 |
| 48 | Lively Technical College Tallahassee, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 18 | 51% | — | $28,179 |
| 49 | San Bernardino Valley College San Bernardino, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 17 | 28% | — | — |
| 50 | Coastal Pines Technical College Waycross, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 17 | 48% | — | — |
* 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 27 states
Where Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
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, with a projected job growth of 4.2% and approximately 70,000 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is $49,670, typically requiring a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 47.0613
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 |
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists SOC 49-3031 | $61,770 | +2.4% About as fast as average | ~26,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
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 Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck 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 - 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 - Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/CIP 47.0614
Technician 192 graduates / yr23 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 trucks, buses, and other commercial and industrial vehicles.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mechanical knowledge, and customer service.
What are the typical career paths after graduation?+
You can become an Automotive Service Technician, Bus and Truck Mechanic, or Diesel Engine Specialist.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.2%.
What is the CIP code for Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician?+
Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician is CIP 47.0613 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 specialized maintenance and repair of trucks, buses, and other commercial and industrial vehicles. Includes instruction in diesel engine mechanics, suspension and steering, brake systems, electrical and electronic systems, preventive maintenance inspections, drive trains, gasoline engine mechanics, HVAC systems, and auxiliary equipment installation and repair.
How many institutions offer Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician programs?+
87 U.S. institutions reported Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 27 states, awarding 2,278 credentials in the year. That is 2.8% of all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck 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 Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck 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 $36,437 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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