Vehicle Repair Technology at Virginia Highlands Community College

Abingdon, VA · Public · Certificate · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

a compact campus enrolling 1,335 students in Abingdon, VA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $32,277 place Virginia Highlands Community College below the $38,662 national median for Vehicle Repair Technology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 69.4x 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.

With only 14% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 0%. Career paths for Vehicle Repair Technology are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Ranked #176 out of 409 programs, Virginia Highlands Community College's Vehicle Repair Technology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

With 64 registered apprenticeships mapped to Vehicle Repair Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

63 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
62
Low End
63
Score
63
High End
Earnings $32,277/yr (-17% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$338K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
69.4x
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)
$4,863
Out-of-state: $10,866

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

See the full career breakdown for Vehicle Repair Technology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Virginia Highlands Community College and 408 other schools.

Read the full Vehicle Repair Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Vehicle Repair Technology Overview

Vehicle Repair Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Virginia Highlands Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Virginia Highlands Community College's Vehicle Repair Technology program score?
This program scores 63/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates.
Is Vehicle Repair Technology from Virginia Highlands Community College a future-proof career choice?
For Virginia Highlands Community College graduates, AI risk is minimal. Vehicle Repair Technology rated "AI-Proof" — 86% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
Can you still earn well with Vehicle Repair Technology from Virginia Highlands Community College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Virginia Highlands Community College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Vehicle Repair Technology program at Virginia Highlands Community College?
If Virginia Highlands Community 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.
Is there demand for Vehicle Repair Technology workers?
At 214,000 annual openings, Vehicle Repair Technology has a very large employment base. Virginia Highlands 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 →