Vehicle Repair Technology at Wilkes Community College

Wilkesboro, NC · Public · Certificate · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

with a smaller student body of 1,881 in Wilkesboro, NC.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,245 place Wilkes Community College below the $38,662 national median for Vehicle Repair Technology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 98.6x 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.

At #214 out of 409 programs, Wilkes Community College's financial outcomes for Vehicle Repair Technology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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

60 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
60
Score
61
High End
Earnings $24,245/yr (-37% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$254K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
98.6x
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)
$2,572
Out-of-state: $8,716

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

Explore what Vehicle Repair Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 409 programs nationwide.

Read the full Vehicle Repair Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Vehicle Repair Technology Overview

Vehicle Repair Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Wilkes 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 Wilkes Community College's Vehicle Repair Technology program score?
At 60/100, the score looks reasonable — but Vehicle Repair Technology is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How safe is Vehicle Repair Technology from automation?
For Wilkes 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.
Is Wilkes Community College a good choice for Vehicle Repair Technology despite lower starting pay?
Lower starting pay at Wilkes Community College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Are there apprenticeship options for Vehicle Repair Technology?
If Wilkes 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?
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 →