TRADES
+4.7%Construction
Plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and masonry — the skilled trades building America's infrastructure, with union wages and persistent labor shortages driving strong demand.
TRADES
Mechanics & Repair
Salary data, career paths, top colleges, and every specialization, all sourced from College Scorecard, IPEDS, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
About Mechanics & Repair
Automotive, HVAC, and heavy equipment — skilled mechanics graduate into persistent employer demand with starting wages that outpace many four-year degree holders. Graduates earn a national median of $80,809 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. The field is offered at 1,278 colleges and universities across the United States. Approximately 110,408 students complete degrees in this area each year.
- Median Earnings · 1yr
- $59,319
- Median Earnings · 4yr
- $80,809
- Colleges Offering
- 1,278
- Graduates / Year
- 110,408
- Specializations
- 3
- Avg Net Price / yr
- $22,924
Is a Mechanics & Repair Degree Right for You?
$80,809
Median earnings · 4yr
+5.0%
10yr job growth
3
Specializations
Is the Investment Worth It?
Breaks even in
~1.8
yrs
vs $30K/yr baseline wage
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $80,809 against an estimated $91,696 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
ROI varies significantly by specialization and institution. A top program in a high-demand specialization can return many multiples of its cost. A lower-tier program in a saturated field may take a decade to break even. Use the Specializations and Best Colleges sections above to compare your specific options before deciding.
How Much Do Mechanics & Repair Majors Earn?
Mechanics & Repair graduates start at a median $59,319 one year out and reach $80,809 four years later. Both figures are national medians from College Scorecard, measured across all 1,278 US institutions offering programs in this field.
$59,319
1 Year After Graduation
Median at the institutional level. Entry-level salaries; reflects career start, not peak earnings.
$80,809
4-Year National Median
Enrollment-weighted national median across all institutions. Most graduates have 2-3 years of career experience at this point.
$80,280
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size. Closer to what a typical school's graduates earn.
Earnings Range Across Specializations
Not all Mechanics & Repair specializations pay the same. The most lucrative programs pay $83,301/yr nationally, while the lowest-earning specializations average $80,809/yr. See the Specializations section below for a program-by-program breakdown.
$80,809
Lowest
$80,809
Median
$83,301
Highest
What Can You Do With a Mechanics & Repair Degree?
Career Paths for Mechanics & Repair Graduates
Mechanics & Repair connects to 8 occupations tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, spanning entry-level and senior roles. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers leads in median earnings at $109,910/yr. Each row includes national wages, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
High school diploma or equivalent
$109,910
↗ +5.0% growth
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Postsecondary nondegree award
$103,020
↗ +5.5% growth
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers
Postsecondary nondegree award
$84,890
↗ +6.1% growth
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Associate's degree
$82,890
↗ +8.1% growth
Avionics Technicians
Postsecondary nondegree award
$82,280
↗ +8.2% growth
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Postsecondary nondegree award
$79,870
↗ +4.0% growth
Mechanic Supervisors
High school diploma or equivalent
$79,860
↗ +3.1% growth
Insurance Appraisers
Postsecondary nondegree award
$78,240
↘ -8.2% growth
Mechanics & Repair Specializations
Mechanics & Repair spans 8 specializations with relatively consistent earnings, from $80,809 to $83,301 at the four-year mark, per College Scorecard. Each row links to a full program profile with institution counts and annual completion data.
Specialization
Colleges
Grads/yr
Earnings · 4yr
Best Colleges for Mechanics & Repair
The 20 colleges below are ranked by Mechanics & Repair graduate volume, how many students completed this degree in the last reporting year. All data points shown (acceptance rate, net price, earnings, grad rate) come from College Scorecard and IPEDS.
1
Universal Technical Institute-Orlando
Orlando, FL · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$25,003
Earnings 10yr
$48,341
Grad rate
64%
2
WyoTech
Laramie, WY · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$36,726
Earnings 10yr
$50,167
Grad rate
77%
3
Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc
Avondale, AZ · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$30,451
Earnings 10yr
$52,873
Grad rate
63%
4
Mech-Tech College
Caguas, PR · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$10,697
Earnings 10yr
$24,967
Grad rate
61%
5
Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc.
Houston, TX · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$23,096
Earnings 10yr
$51,222
Grad rate
63%
6
Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort Worth
Irving, TX · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$26,265
Earnings 10yr
$51,222
Grad rate
63%
7
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$7,258
Earnings 10yr
$37,186
Grad rate
15%
8
Universal Technical Institute-Southern California
Long Beach, CA · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$27,506
Earnings 10yr
$52,873
Grad rate
63%
9
Universal Technical Institute of California Inc
Rancho Cucamonga, CA · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$26,360
Earnings 10yr
$52,873
Grad rate
63%
10
Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc
Sacramento, CA · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$28,887
Earnings 10yr
$48,341
Grad rate
64%
11
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Louisville, KY · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$6,376
Earnings 10yr
$38,171
Grad rate
15%
12
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois Inc
Lisle, IL · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$27,060
Earnings 10yr
$52,873
Grad rate
63%
13
Universal Technical Institute-Mooresville
Mooresville, NC · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$28,915
Earnings 10yr
$52,873
Grad rate
63%
14
Nashville Auto-Diesel College
Nashville, TN · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$32,544
Earnings 10yr
$46,396
Grad rate
62%
15
Universal Technical Institute-Canton
Canton, MI · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$22,985
Earnings 10yr
$62,575
Grad rate
66%
16
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$13,508
Earnings 10yr
$38,916
Grad rate
28%
17
Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc
Exton, PA · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$24,883
Earnings 10yr
$51,222
Grad rate
63%
18
Universal Technical Institute-Bloomfield
Bloomfield, NJ · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$28,042
Earnings 10yr
$51,222
Grad rate
63%
19
Universal Technical Institute-Phoenix
Avondale, AZ · For-Profit
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$24,863
Earnings 10yr
$48,341
Grad rate
64%
20
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$7,052
Earnings 10yr
$30,848
Grad rate
23%
Ranked by number of Mechanics & Repair graduates per IPEDS completion data. Acceptance rate, net price, earnings, and graduation rate from College Scorecard. Read our methodology →
How Mechanics & Repair Compares to Similar Majors
Major
$30k
$40k
$50k
$60k
$70k
$80k
$90k
$100k
Plan Your Path
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Mechanics & Repair degree, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if a Mechanics & Repair degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Mechanics & Repair Degree: Pros & Cons
Strong earnings and positive career growth put Mechanics & Repair above most majors on the key financial metrics. The 3 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS, not editorial scoring.
PROS
- Strong median salary Graduates earn a national median of $80,809 four years after graduation, above most major categories.
- Growing field Top career paths show up to +8.2% projected 10-year growth per BLS, including Avionics Technicians.
- Wide availability Offered at 1,278 colleges nationwide, including community colleges and online programs.
CONS
- Declining roles in some areas 1 related career within this field show negative 10-year employment projections per BLS. Research specific roles carefully before committing.
- Highly competitive job market Approximately 110,408 students graduate in this field each year, one of the highest volumes among all majors.
Mechanics & Repair Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Mechanics & Repair graduates earn?
Mechanics & Repair graduates earn a national median of $80,809 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. Earnings vary significantly by specialization, institution, and region. Use the specializations table on this page to compare programs.
What is the starting salary for a Mechanics & Repair degree?
The median earnings one year after graduation for Mechanics & Repair degree holders is $59,319 at the institutional level, per College Scorecard. Starting salaries vary by employer, location, and specific specialization within the field.
What jobs can you get with a Mechanics & Repair degree?
Mechanics & Repair degree holders work in a range of careers. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers is one of the top roles by median wage ($109,910/yr nationally per BLS data). See the Career Paths section on this page for a full breakdown of related occupations, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
How many colleges offer Mechanics & Repair?
1,278 colleges and universities in the United States offer programs in Mechanics & Repair, per IPEDS data. Options range from community colleges offering associate degrees to research universities with doctoral programs. The Best Colleges section on this page ranks the top institutions by graduation volume.
Is a Mechanics & Repair degree worth it?
At a median 4-year earnings of $80,809 and an average net price of roughly $22,924/yr across institutions offering this major, a Mechanics & Repair degree can deliver strong returns, particularly in high-earning specializations. The ROI depends heavily on which institution and specialization you choose.
How long does it take to earn a Mechanics & Repair degree?
Mechanics & Repair programs range from two-year associate degrees to four-year bachelor's programs. Many students also enter through apprenticeships, which can provide an accelerated path into the field.
What skills do employers look for in Mechanics & Repair graduates?
Employers hiring Mechanics & Repair graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, hands-on problem-solving, and equipment operation. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.
Is graduate school worth it for Mechanics & Repair graduates?
With a median salary of $80,809, graduate study in Mechanics & Repair can meaningfully increase long-term income, particularly for specialized or professional programs aligned with high-demand roles. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly requires or rewards an advanced credential.
What is the 10-year job outlook for Mechanics & Repair graduates?
Based on BLS projections, the job outlook for Mechanics & Repair graduates is moderate, with an average of +4.0% projected growth across related occupations. Avionics Technicians is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.2%. Demand will vary by specialization, employer sector, and geographic region.
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