Vehicle Repair Technology at Hawaii Community College

Hilo, HI · Public · Associate Degree · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

a compact campus enrolling 1,470 students in Hilo, HI.

Program Analysis

Hawaii Community College's Vehicle Repair Technology graduates start at $30,809/yr, trailing the $38,662 national average by 20%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 76.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Vehicle Repair Technology carry above-average AI exposure (14% of tasks). The 37% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

A #177 ranking among 409 Vehicle Repair Technology programs places Hawaii Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $30,809-to-$46,746 earnings arc over five years reflects a 52% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

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

63 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
63
Score
64
High End
Earnings $30,809/yr (-20% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$515K
11.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
80.3x
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)
$6,408
Out-of-state: $16,680
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,746
52% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Vehicle Repair Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering skilled trades.

Read the full Vehicle Repair Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Vehicle Repair Technology Overview

Vehicle Repair Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Hawaii 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

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Vehicle Repair Technology at Hawaii Community College?
At 63/100, Hawaii Community College's Vehicle Repair Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Vehicle Repair Technology from Hawaii Community College a future-proof career choice?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Vehicle Repair Technology work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Hawaii Community College's score of 63/100 reflects this durability.
Why are Vehicle Repair Technology earnings lower at Hawaii Community College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Vehicle Repair Technology program at Hawaii Community College?
There are 64 registered apprenticeships connected to Vehicle Repair Technology occupations, such as Aerospace Propulsion Jet Engine Mech (Military Only) and Air Conditioning Mechanic (Auto Serv). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates?
At 214,000 annual openings, Vehicle Repair Technology has a very large employment base. Hawaii Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →