Vehicle Repair Technology at Lawson State Community College

Birmingham, AL · Public · Certificate · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

a compact campus enrolling 2,720 students in Birmingham, AL.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,347/yr, roughly in line with the $38,662 national median for Vehicle Repair Technology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 81.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Vehicle Repair Technology programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 10% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

At #121 of 409 Vehicle Repair Technology programs, Lawson State Community College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $40,432 are relatively flat compared to the $35,347 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

Vehicle Repair Technology offers 64 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

67 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
65
Low End
67
Score
67
High End
Earnings $35,347/yr (-9% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$413K
3.4% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
82.9x
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)
$4,980
Out-of-state: $8,790
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,432
14% 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

What can you do with a Vehicle Repair Technology credential from Lawson State Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Vehicle Repair Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Vehicle Repair Technology Overview

Vehicle Repair Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lawson State Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Vehicle Repair Technology at Lawson State Community College?
At 67/100, Lawson State Community College's Vehicle Repair Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Will AI replace Vehicle Repair Technology jobs?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Vehicle Repair Technology work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Lawson State Community College's score of 67/100 reflects this durability.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Vehicle Repair Technology program at Lawson State 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. Lawson State 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 →