Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
What Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Graduates Do
Your career starts on the shop floor, grabbing a diagnostic scanner to pinpoint engine trouble or getting your hands dirty with a wrench during a brake job. As an automotive service technician, your day involves solving complex mechanical and electrical puzzles in a busy garage to get cars safely back on the road. You could also specialize in heavy-duty vehicles, working on the powerful diesel engines that keep our country’s trucks and buses running.
This is a field where you build expertise through direct experience. You’ll likely begin as an apprentice or entry-level tech, learning the fundamentals before earning certifications to become a lead technician, perhaps specializing in transmissions or advanced diagnostics. With time, many advance to become a shop supervisor, managing teams and operations, or even open their own repair business. This is essential, hands-on work that can’t be done by a robot or from a remote office, offering lasting job security. While starting pay is solid, experienced master technicians and managers see their earnings grow substantially as they become experts in the field.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 64 registered apprenticeship occupations related to Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aerospace Propulsion Jet Engine Mech (Military Only)
RAPIDS 1067CB |
Competency | Competency | $62K – $78,680 – $95K | 4.0% |
|
Air Conditioning Mechanic (Auto Serv)
RAPIDS 686 |
2000 hrs
~1.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Aircraft Mechanic, Electrical
RAPIDS 3 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $65K – $81,390 – $99K | 8.2% |
|
Aircraft Mechanic, Plumb & Hydraulic
RAPIDS 866 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $53K – $61,680 – $75K | -14.5% |
|
Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic
RAPIDS 0005R |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $62K – $78,680 – $95K | 4.0% |
|
Airframe Mechanic
RAPIDS 1044 |
3100 hrs
~1.6 yrs |
Time | $62K – $78,680 – $95K | 4.0% |
|
Assembler, Aircraft Powerplant
RAPIDS 873 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $43K – $52,540 – $70K | -21.1% |
|
Assembler, Aircraft Structures (Alternate Title: Aircraft Structural Maintenance Technician)
RAPIDS 874 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $53K – $61,680 – $75K | -14.5% |
|
Assembler, Installer, General
RAPIDS 876 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $53K – $61,680 – $75K | -14.5% |
|
Assembler, Installer, General (Alternate Title: Assembler Senior, Electronic Assembler)
RAPIDS 0876CB |
CB hrs | Competency | $53K – $61,680 – $75K | -14.5% |
|
Auto Cooling System Diagnostic Tech
RAPIDS 836 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Auto, Truck, Trailer Repair Mechanic (Existing Title: Automobile Mechanic)
RAPIDS **0023R |
7328 hrs
~3.7 yrs |
Time | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Auto-Radiator Mechanic
RAPIDS 784 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Automobile Body Repairer
RAPIDS 24 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $45K – $51,680 – $65K | 1.6% |
|
Automobile Mechanic (Alternate Title: Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic, Truck And Bus Mechanic))
RAPIDS 23 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Automotive Mechanic (Existing Title: Automobile Mechanic)
RAPIDS 0023R1 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Automotive Technician Specialist
RAPIDS 1034CL |
Competency | Competency | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Automotive Technician Specialist (Alternate Title: Light-Weight Vehicle Mech)
RAPIDS 1034CB |
Competency | Competency | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Automotive Technician Specialist (Existing Title: Undercar Specialist, Ford-Lincoln Certified Technician)
RAPIDS 1034CB |
Competency | Competency | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Brake Repairer (Auto Serv)
RAPIDS 892 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Bus Maintenance Technician
RAPIDS 0124R |
5568 hrs
~2.8 yrs |
Time | $49K – $60,640 – $74K | 2.4% |
|
Carburetor Mechanic
RAPIDS 896 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Diesel Mechanic (Alternate Title: Power-Generation Equipment Repairer)
RAPIDS 124 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $49K – $60,640 – $74K | 2.4% |
|
Elect-Motor & Gen Assembler
RAPIDS 927 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $43K – $52,540 – $70K | -21.1% |
|
Electrical
RAPIDS **0161R |
7328 hrs
~3.7 yrs |
Time | $40K – $47,940 – $59K | -13.6% |
|
Electrician, Aircraft
RAPIDS 160 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $65K – $81,390 – $99K | 8.2% |
|
Electrician, Automotive
RAPIDS 161 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $40K – $47,940 – $59K | -13.6% |
|
Electrician, Locomotive
RAPIDS 162 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $66K – $82,730 – $96K | 6.1% |
|
Engine Repairer, Service
RAPIDS 176 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $46,560 – $56K | 2.5% |
|
Front-End Mechanic
RAPIDS 209 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Fuel Injection Servicer
RAPIDS 922 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Gas-Engine Repairer
RAPIDS 230 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $46,560 – $56K | 2.5% |
|
Glass Installer (Auto Serv)
RAPIDS 714 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $40K – $47,260 – $58K | 3.6% |
|
Machine Assembler
RAPIDS 301 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $43K – $52,540 – $70K | -21.1% |
|
Machine Builder
RAPIDS 291 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $43K – $52,540 – $70K | -21.1% |
|
Machine Builder
RAPIDS 0291CB |
Competency | Competency | $43K – $52,540 – $70K | -21.1% |
|
Machinist, Marine Engine
RAPIDS 298 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $49K – $60,640 – $74K | 2.4% |
|
Maint Mechanic (Const; Petrol) (Alternate Title: Heavy-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic )
RAPIDS 22 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $49K – $60,640 – $74K | 2.4% |
|
Mechanic, Industrial Truck (Alternate Titles: Diesel Mech/Power-Gen Equip Rep)
RAPIDS 153 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $49K – $60,640 – $74K | 2.4% |
|
Motorboat Mechanic
RAPIDS 355 |
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs |
Time | $45K – $54,950 – $65K | 6.0% |
|
Motorcycle Repairer
RAPIDS 356 |
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $47,200 – $59K | 5.3% |
|
Oil Field Equip Mechanic
RAPIDS 364 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $49K – $60,640 – $74K | 2.4% |
|
Oil Field Equip Mechanic (Op I Frac-Acd)
RAPIDS 0364CB |
Competency | Competency | $49K – $60,640 – $74K | 2.4% |
|
Outboard Motor Mechanic
RAPIDS 378 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $45K – $54,950 – $65K | 6.0% |
|
Outboard Technician (Alternate Title: Outboard-Motor Mechanic)
RAPIDS 0378R |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $45K – $54,950 – $65K | 6.0% |
|
Pneudraulic Systems Mechanic
RAPIDS 1107 |
4800 hrs
~2.4 yrs |
Time | $62K – $78,680 – $95K | 4.0% |
|
Power-Saw Mechanic
RAPIDS 441 |
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $46,560 – $56K | 2.5% |
|
Powerplant Mechanic
RAPIDS 1045 |
3000 hrs
~1.5 yrs |
Time | $62K – $78,680 – $95K | 4.0% |
|
Precision Assembler
RAPIDS 410 |
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs |
Time | $53K – $61,680 – $75K | -14.5% |
|
Repairer, Heavy
RAPIDS 997 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Repairer, Recreational Veh
RAPIDS 807 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $43K – $50,540 – $63K | 11.5% |
|
Research Mechanic (Aircraft)
RAPIDS 788 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $65K – $79,830 – $102K | 8.1% |
|
Rocket-Engine-Component Mechanic
RAPIDS 425 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $62K – $78,680 – $95K | 4.0% |
|
Service Mechanic (Auto Mfg)
RAPIDS 446 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $45K – $51,680 – $65K | 1.6% |
|
Small Engine Mechanic
RAPIDS 525 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $46,560 – $56K | 2.5% |
|
Spring Repairer, Hand
RAPIDS 533 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Test Equipment Mechanic
RAPIDS 190 |
10000 hrs
~5.0 yrs |
Time | $65K – $79,830 – $102K | 8.1% |
|
Tractor Mechanic
RAPIDS 589 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $49K – $60,640 – $74K | 2.4% |
|
Transit Bus Technician
RAPIDS 0124CB |
Competency | Competency | $49K – $60,640 – $74K | 2.4% |
|
Transmission Mechanic
RAPIDS 592 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Truck Body Builder
RAPIDS 598 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $45K – $51,680 – $65K | 1.6% |
|
Tune-Up Mechanic
RAPIDS 600 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Undercar Specialist (Alternate Title: Automotive Tech Specialist )
RAPIDS 1034 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $38K – $49,670 – $66K | 4.2% |
|
Wind Tunnel Mechanic
RAPIDS 499 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $65K – $79,830 – $102K | 8.1% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Best Schools for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
Top 20 of 409 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and AI-proof analysis.
| # | School | Score | EarningsEarn | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Los Angeles College Culver City, CA |
83 81–84 |
$65,978/yr | 531.9x |
| 2 | New Mexico Junior College Hobbs, NM |
80 78–80 |
$52,024/yr | 179.6x |
| 3 | Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TX |
80 78–81 |
$50,956/yr | 363.4x |
| 4 | Victor Valley College Victorville, CA |
80 78–80 |
$49,729/yr | 348.0x |
| 5 | Metropolitan Community College Area Omaha, NE |
79 78–79 |
$52,060/yr | 157.5x |
| 6 | Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TX |
79 77–80 |
$50,531/yr | 204.7x |
| 7 | Honolulu Community College Honolulu, HI |
78 74–78 |
$52,460/yr | 122.1x |
| 8 | San Diego Miramar College San Diego, CA |
78 76–78 |
$43,285/yr | 482.4x |
| 9 | Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, MN |
77 76–78 |
$58,745/yr | 94.9x |
| 10 | Pima Community College Tucson, AZ |
77 76–77 |
$52,673/yr | 109.6x |
| 11 | Lincoln Land Community College Springfield, IL |
77 76–78 |
$48,308/yr | 106.9x |
| 12 | Amarillo College Amarillo, TX |
77 75–78 |
$43,443/yr | 244.6x |
| 13 | Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown, NC |
77 75–77 |
$42,264/yr | 240.6x |
| 14 | Mohawk Valley Community College Utica, NY |
76 75–77 |
$55,746/yr | 87.8x |
| 15 | Aims Community College Greeley, CO |
76 75–76 |
$47,529/yr | 112.0x |
| 16 | Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WI |
76 73–77 |
$45,675/yr | 128.5x |
| 17 | Amarillo College Amarillo, TX |
76 74–77 |
$45,594/yr | 131.6x |
| 18 | Northern Wyoming Community College District Sheridan, WY |
76 72–76 |
$43,506/yr | 140.6x |
| 19 | Aims Community College Greeley, CO |
76 75–77 |
$42,120/yr | 200.5x |
| 20 | San Jacinto Community College Pasadena, TX |
76 73–76 |
$39,562/yr | 287.0x |
Highest Earning Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs
Schools where Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide | $76,663/yr | 68 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | $76,663/yr | 61 |
| Ferris State University | $68,791/yr | 75 |
| West Los Angeles College | $65,978/yr | 83 |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College | $65,311/yr | 72 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia | $64,326/yr | 65 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center | $64,326/yr | 65 |
| Minneapolis Community and Technical College | $59,441/yr | 70 |
| Minneapolis Community and Technical College | $58,745/yr | 77 |
| Illinois Central College | $58,122/yr | 72 |
Best ROI for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Los Angeles College | 531.9x | $65,978/yr | 83 |
| San Diego Miramar College | 482.4x | $43,285/yr | 78 |
| Santa Ana College | 402.4x | $36,380/yr | 74 |
| Tarrant County College District | 363.4x | $50,956/yr | 80 |
| Victor Valley College | 348.0x | $49,729/yr | 80 |
| San Jacinto Community College | 287.0x | $39,562/yr | 76 |
| Amarillo College | 244.6x | $43,443/yr | 77 |
| Guilford Technical Community College | 240.6x | $42,264/yr | 77 |
| Pima Community College | 238.6x | $37,826/yr | 74 |
| Dallas College | 225.7x | $36,956/yr | 74 |
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