Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Degree
Students study the diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles, including engine systems, transmissions, electrical systems, and computer diagnostics. Graduates typically pursue careers as automotive technicians, service managers, dealership technicians, and fleet maintenance supervisors. The increasing complexity of modern vehicles, especially electric vehicles, is elevating both the skill requirements and earning potential in this field.
What Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Graduates Do
Your career starts with your hands on the machine. As an automotive technician, you’ll move beyond routine maintenance to use advanced diagnostic computers, trace faults in complex vehicle electronics, and perform precision engine repairs. You could also specialize in heavy-duty diesel engines for buses and trucks, keeping national supply chains moving, or pursue a high-stakes career as an aircraft mechanic, ensuring flight safety by servicing engines and hydraulic systems.
With experience, many technicians advance from the garage floor to a first-line supervisor role, managing a team and overseeing shop operations. The job market shows steady demand for skilled automotive and aircraft mechanics, offering stable career paths. However, be aware that some related manufacturing roles, like aircraft assembly, are facing significant declines.
This field’s greatest strength is its resilience to automation. While AI tools will increasingly assist with diagnostics, the core of your job—physical problem-solving and intricate manual repair—cannot be easily replicated. This low AI exposure translates directly into long-term job security, making your hands-on skills a durable and valuable asset.
Common Career Paths
Where Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates typically work, ranked by salary. Salary ranges show 25th–75th percentile spread. This field has roughly 211,400 combined openings per year.
| Career Path | Salary Range | Openings/yr | Growth | AI Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avionics technicians | 1,800 | +8.2% | 24% | |
| Aircraft mechanics and service technicians | 11,300 | +4.0% | 13% | |
| First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers | 52,400 | +3.1% | 41% | |
| Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers | 2,800 | -14.5% | 2% | |
| Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists | 26,500 | +2.4% | 0% | |
| Motorboat mechanics and service technicians | 2,600 | +6.0% | 8% | |
| Engine and other machine assemblers | 2,800 | -21.1% | 10% | |
| Automotive body and related repairers | 14,600 | +1.6% | 4% | |
| Recreational vehicle service technicians | 2,800 | +11.5% | 6% | |
| Automotive service technicians and mechanics | 70,000 | +4.2% | 8% | |
| Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders | 15,800 | +0.7% | 4% | |
| Automotive glass installers and repairers | 1,400 | +3.6% | 0% | |
| Motorcycle mechanics | 1,500 | +5.3% | 0% | |
| Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics | 3,500 | +2.5% | 18% | |
| Bicycle repairers | 1,600 | -2.3% | 10% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. Salary range shows 25th–median–75th percentile (national).
Best Schools for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
4 schools ranked by DegreeOutlook Score. Click any row for full AI scenario analysis and earnings projections.
| # | School | DW Score | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Daytona Beach, FL |
78 79–78 |
$81,436/yr | 18.2x |
| 2 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL |
67 67–67 |
$81,436/yr | 4.3x |
| 3 | SUNY Morrisville Morrisville, NY |
66 67–66 |
$53,308/yr | 15.5x |
| 4 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI |
65 66–65 |
$47,286/yr | 11.6x |
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 | DW Score |
|---|---|---|
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide | $81,436/yr | 78 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | $81,436/yr | 67 |
| SUNY Morrisville | $53,308/yr | 66 |
| Western Michigan University | $47,286/yr | 65 |
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 | DW Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide | 18.2x | $81,436/yr | 78 |
| SUNY Morrisville | 15.5x | $53,308/yr | 66 |
| Western Michigan University | 11.6x | $47,286/yr | 65 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | 4.3x | $81,436/yr | 67 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Consider the Trade Route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.