Vehicle Repair Technology at Ozarks Technical Community College

Springfield, MO · Public · Associate Degree · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

serving 8,194 students in Springfield, MO.

Program Analysis

At $32,633 per year, Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Ozarks Technical Community College earn below the $38,662 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 54.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Vehicle Repair Technology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Vehicle Repair Technology's career paths, with 14% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 28% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #212 of 409 Vehicle Repair Technology programs, Ozarks Technical Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $32,633 to $44,304 over five years — a 36% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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

60 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
57
Low End
60
Score
61
High End
Earnings $32,633/yr (-16% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$471K
7.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
56.3x
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)
$8,368
Out-of-state: $13,744
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,304
36% 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 Ozarks Technical Community College

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 is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Vehicle Repair Technology at Ozarks Technical Community College?
A score of 60/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Ozarks Technical Community College trails the majority of Vehicle Repair Technology programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How safe is Vehicle Repair Technology from automation?
Vehicle Repair Technology rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 14% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
Is Ozarks Technical Community College a good choice for Vehicle Repair Technology despite lower starting pay?
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 Ozarks Technical 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 Ozarks Technical Community College.
Will Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Ozarks Technical Community College find jobs?
The career paths mapped to Vehicle Repair Technology have roughly 214,000 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →