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Vehicle Repair Technology at Rock Valley College

Rockford, IL · Public · Certificate · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

a compact campus enrolling 4,362 students in Rockford, IL.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,625/yr, edging above the $38,662 national average for Vehicle Repair Technology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

With a 162.6x 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 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

Rock Valley College ranks #22 among 409 Vehicle Repair Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $41,625-to-$76,119 earnings arc over five years reflects a 83% 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.

75 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
71
Low End
75
Score
76
High End
Earnings $41,625/yr (8% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$730K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
170.9x
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)
$4,274
Out-of-state: $21,344
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,119
83% 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

View all 409 schools offering Vehicle Repair Technology →

Vehicle Repair Technology at Other Schools

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach ($76,663) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide ($76,663) Ferris State University ($68,791) West Los Angeles College ($65,978) Alexandria Technical & Community College ($65,311) San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia ($64,326) San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center ($64,326) Minneapolis Community and Technical College ($59,441)

Other Majors at Rock Valley College

Nursing ($68,229) Dental Assisting ($59,574) Liberal Arts & Humanities ($27,601) Practical Nursing ($27,497) Biological & Physical Sciences ($21,956)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Vehicle Repair Technology degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Rock Valley College's Vehicle Repair Technology program score?
At 75/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
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. Rock Valley College's score of 75/100 reflects this durability.
What makes Rock Valley College's Vehicle Repair Technology program stand out?
Ranked #22 of 409 programs nationally, Rock Valley College lands in the top 5%. 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 Rock Valley College?
If Rock Valley College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 64 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Vehicle Repair Technology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Vehicle Repair Technology from Rock Valley College?
The very large job market (214,000 annual openings) works in favor of Vehicle Repair Technology graduates. The national outlook is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →