Vehicle Repair Technology at Helena College University of Montana

Helena, MT · Public · Associate Degree · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

a compact campus enrolling 641 students in Helena, MT.

Program Analysis

At $46,288 per year, Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Helena College University of Montana earn slightly above the $38,662 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 74.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 14% task exposure — and the 21% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates.

The median debt load of $12,825 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #68 out of 409 programs, Helena College University of Montana's Vehicle Repair Technology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $46,288 to $58,422 shows 26% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 64 registered apprenticeships mapped to Vehicle Repair Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
68
Low End
71
Score
72
High End
Earnings $46,288/yr (20% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$610K
6.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
76.7x
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)
$7,950
Out-of-state: $21,374
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,825
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,422
26% 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 Helena College University of Montana

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 71/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Vehicle Repair Technology at Helena College University of Montana?
This program scores 71/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Vehicle Repair Technology nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
How AI-proof is a career in Vehicle Repair Technology?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 14% of Vehicle Repair Technology tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 19 of 19 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
How affordable is Vehicle Repair Technology at Helena College University of Montana?
At $12,825 in median debt, Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Helena College University of Montana carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
What makes Helena College University of Montana's Vehicle Repair Technology program stand out?
The #68 ranking out of 409 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Vehicle Repair Technology program at Helena College University of Montana?
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 Helena College University of Montana.
Is there demand for Vehicle Repair Technology workers?
With approximately 214,000 annual openings across mapped careers, Vehicle Repair Technology offers a very large employment pool. Helena College University of Montana graduates enter a market shaped by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →