Vehicle Repair Technology at Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, IA · Public · Associate Degree · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

enrolling 10,406 students in Ankeny, IA.

Program Analysis

Des Moines Area Community College Vehicle Repair Technology graduates command $52,325/yr out of the gate, well above the $38,662 national median. That 35% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 55.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Vehicle Repair Technology involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $8,770 in median debt clears fast against $52,325 in annual earnings.

Des Moines Area Community College ranks #89 among 409 Vehicle Repair Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $52,325 to $61,327 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 64 apprenticeship pathways connected to Vehicle Repair Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

69 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
68
Low End
69
Score
70
High End
Earnings $52,325/yr (35% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$630K
4.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
56.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
19 of 19
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$11,100
Out-of-state: $22,200
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,770
2.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,327
17% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment $82,730 +6.1% 76%
Avionics technicians $81,390 +8.2% 76%
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians $79,830 +8.1% 68%
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment
$82,730
+6.1% growth 76% AI-proof
Avionics technicians
$81,390
+8.2% growth 76% AI-proof
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
$79,830
+8.1% growth 68% AI-proof

View all 19 career paths with full salary data →

Vehicle Repair Technology Career Guide

Vehicle Repair Technology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Vehicle Repair Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Vehicle Repair Technology Overview

Vehicle Repair Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Des Moines Area Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Des Moines Area Community College's Vehicle Repair Technology program score?
This program scores 69/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates.
How AI-proof is a career in Vehicle Repair Technology?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Vehicle Repair Technology work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Des Moines Area Community College's score of 69/100 reflects this durability.
What's the typical debt for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Des Moines Area Community College?
At $8,770 in median debt, Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Des Moines Area Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Is Des Moines Area Community College one of the best schools for Vehicle Repair Technology?
Ranked #89 of 409 programs nationally, Des Moines Area Community College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Vehicle Repair Technology program at Des Moines Area Community College?
Yes — 64 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Vehicle Repair Technology career paths, including Aerospace Propulsion Jet Engine Mech (Military Only). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Des Moines Area Community College.
Will Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Des Moines Area Community College find jobs?
Job availability for Vehicle Repair Technology is strong — 214,000 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Des Moines Area Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in IA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →