Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
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.
Students weighing Vehicle Repair Technology often also consider Heavy Equipment Technology, Electrical Repair Technology, and Mechanical Engineering Technology — compare earnings, ROI, and AI outlook side by side.
Where Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates work
Common career paths for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates, with median salaries, projected growth, and AI exposure per role. Roughly 211,400 combined openings per year across these roles.
| Role | Median Pay | Annual Openings | 10-yr Growth | AI Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Avionics technicians
|
$81,390
$65K–$99K
|
1,800 | +8.2% | Low · 24% |
|
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
|
$78,680
$62K–$95K
|
11,300 | +4.0% | Low · 13% |
|
First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
|
$78,300
$61K–$100K
|
52,400 | +3.1% | Moderate · 41% |
|
Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
|
$61,680
$53K–$75K
|
2,800 | -14.5% | Low · 2% |
|
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
|
$60,640
$49K–$74K
|
26,500 | +2.4% | Low · 0% |
|
Motorboat mechanics and service technicians
|
$54,950
$45K–$65K
|
2,600 | +6.0% | Low · 8% |
|
Engine and other machine assemblers
|
$52,540
$43K–$70K
|
2,800 | -21.1% | Low · 10% |
|
Automotive body and related repairers
|
$51,680
$45K–$65K
|
14,600 | +1.6% | Low · 4% |
|
Recreational vehicle service technicians
|
$50,540
$43K–$63K
|
2,800 | +11.5% | Low · 6% |
|
Automotive service technicians and mechanics
|
$49,670
$38K–$66K
|
70,000 | +4.2% | Low · 8% |
|
Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders
|
$47,590
$39K–$59K
|
15,800 | +0.7% | Low · 4% |
|
Automotive glass installers and repairers
|
$47,260
$40K–$58K
|
1,400 | +3.6% | Low · 0% |
|
Motorcycle mechanics
|
$47,200
$38K–$59K
|
1,500 | +5.3% | Low · 0% |
|
Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics
|
$46,560
$38K–$56K
|
3,500 | +2.5% | Low · 18% |
|
Bicycle repairers
|
$40,360
$36K–$48K
|
1,600 | -2.3% | Low · 10% |
Best schools for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
Schools ranked by DegreeOutlook Score (earnings × AI resilience × ROI × job-market size). Top 4 of 4.
Highest Earnings Top 5
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
FL |
$81,436 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
FL |
$81,436 |
| SUNY Morrisville
NY |
$53,308 |
| Western Michigan University
MI |
$47,286 |
Best ROI Top 5
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
FL |
18.2x |
| SUNY Morrisville
NY |
15.5x |
| Western Michigan University
MI |
11.6x |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
FL |
4.3x |
Related majors
Similar fields of study often offered alongside Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.
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.
Compare Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
What do Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates make in their first year?
First-year earnings for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates average $65,867 annually, based on data from 4 programs. The range spans $47,286 at the low end to $81,436 at the top.
What is the AI automation risk for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies?
AI exposure for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies is rated "Low." With 20% of tasks potentially affected by large language models, relatively few career functions face meaningful automation pressure in the coming decade.
Where should I study Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide leads all 4 programs with a DegreeOutlook Score of 78/100. Graduates earn $81,436/yr — the ranking weighs earnings, ROI, AI resilience, and job market size equally.
What's the ROI on a Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies degree?
On average, Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates earn 12.4x their in-state tuition over 10 years. This is a strong return on investment.