Vehicle Repair Technology at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens

Athens, TN · Public · Certificate · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

a compact campus enrolling 365 students in Athens, TN.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $32,320/yr fall 16% below the $38,662 national median for Vehicle Repair Technology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Vehicle Repair Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #340 ranking among 409 Vehicle Repair Technology programs places Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 21% earnings increase from $32,320 to $39,188 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 64 apprenticeship pathways connected to Vehicle Repair Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

54 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
52
Low End
54
Score
55
High End
Earnings $32,320/yr (-16% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$405K
4.9% annual growth
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.

Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,188
21% 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

Vehicle Repair Technology at Other Schools

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Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 54/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Vehicle Repair Technology at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens?
A score of 54/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens 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.
Can you still earn well with Vehicle Repair Technology from Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens?
Starting salary is one data point. If Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Can I learn Vehicle Repair Technology through an apprenticeship instead of Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens?
Beyond Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens'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.
How many job openings are there for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates?
Job availability for Vehicle Repair Technology is strong — 214,000 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens graduates specifically, local market conditions in TN may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →