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Vehicle Repair Technology at Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, CA · Public · Certificate · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

serving a student body of 22,011 in Santa Ana, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $36,380 track close to the $38,662 national median for Vehicle Repair Technology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 413.2x 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 24% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates.

A #31 ranking out of 409 Vehicle Repair Technology programs nationally puts Santa Ana College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $36,380 to $47,602 shows 31% 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.

74 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
72
Low End
74
Score
74
High End
Earnings $36,380/yr (-6% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$502K
7.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
425.0x
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)
$1,180
Out-of-state: $9,460
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,602
31% 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 Santa Ana 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

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 Santa Ana College

Nursing ($98,493) Fire Protection ($53,847) Fire Protection ($46,660) Precision Metalworking ($45,864) Business Administration ($30,315) Liberal Arts & Humanities ($30,117) Medical Assisting ($28,687) Medical Assisting ($28,200)

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

What does a 74/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Vehicle Repair Technology at Santa Ana College?
At 74/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
How safe is Vehicle Repair Technology from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Vehicle Repair Technology work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Santa Ana College's score of 74/100 reflects this durability.
Are there apprenticeship options for Vehicle Repair Technology?
Beyond Santa Ana College's classroom route, 64 registered apprenticeships map to Vehicle Repair Technology careers — including Aerospace Propulsion Jet Engine Mech (Military Only). Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
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. Santa Ana College 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 →