Vehicle Maintenance graduates earn $80,809 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.2%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Avionics Technicians is among the highest-growth roles in the field.
Vehicle Maintenance is a focused area of study within Mechanics & Repair. Graduates typically earn around $80,809 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 956 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 68,347 students complete this program each year, most earning a certificate. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$67,372
Median Earnings · 4yr
$80,809
Colleges Offering
956
Graduates / Year
68,347
Avg Net Price / yr
$25,717
How Much Do Vehicle Maintenance Graduates Earn?
Vehicle Maintenance graduates earn $80,809 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $62,834 and $103,882.
$67,372
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings in this field tend to be stable early on. Expect the four-year median to closely reflect your long-term starting point.
$80,809
4-Year National Median
Well above average for college graduates.
$78,712
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Vehicle Maintenance graduates. Region and union membership drive the gap more than any other factor. Union jobs in high-cost metros pay significantly more than non-union positions elsewhere.
$62,83425th pct.
$80,809Median
$103,88275th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $80,809 against an estimated $102,868 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 24 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 68,347 students who complete Vehicle Maintenance programs each year, the majority (58%) earn a certificate degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
58%35%
Certificate58%
Associate's35%
Doctorate7%
What Can You Do With a Vehicle Maintenance Degree?
Vehicle Maintenance connects to 8 occupations in the job market. Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers leads at $84,890/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Critical ThinkingActive ListeningQuality Control AnalysisOperations MonitoringRepairing
Day-to-day responsibilities
Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.
Inspect and test electrical systems and equipment to locate and diagnose malfunctions, using visual inspections, testing devices, and computer software.
Reassemble and test equipment after repairs.
Adjust, repair, or replace defective wiring and relays in ignition, lighting, air-conditioning, and safety control systems, using electrician's tools.
Critical ThinkingQuality Control AnalysisOperations MonitoringReading ComprehensionActive Listening
Day-to-day responsibilities
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
Identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications.
Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
Equipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisOperations Monitoring
Day-to-day responsibilities
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters.
Keep records of maintenance and repair work.
Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons.
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
High school diploma or equivalent52,400 openings/yr618K employed nationally
MonitoringManagement of Personnel ResourcesJudgment and Decision MakingTime ManagementCoordination
Day-to-day responsibilities
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.
Inspect, test, and measure completed work, using devices such as hand tools or gauges to verify conformance to standards or repair requirements.
Inspect and monitor work areas, examine tools and equipment, and provide employee safety training to prevent, detect, and correct unsafe conditions or violations of procedures and safety rules.
Interpret specifications, blueprints, or job orders to construct templates and lay out reference points for workers.
Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.
Evaluate practicality of repair as opposed to payment of market value of vehicle before accident.
Review repair cost estimates with automobile repair shop to secure agreement on cost of repairs.
Examine damaged vehicle to determine extent of structural, body, mechanical, electrical, or interior damage.
High school diploma or equivalent26,500 openings/yr290K employed nationally
TroubleshootingRepairingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control Analysis
Day-to-day responsibilities
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.
Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
High school diploma or equivalent2,600 openings/yr23K employed nationally
RepairingEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingOperation and ControlOperations Monitoring
Day-to-day responsibilities
Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.
Start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring.
Document inspection and test results and work performed or to be performed.
Mount motors to boats, and operate boats at various speeds on waterways to conduct operational tests.
Top Colleges for Vehicle Maintenance
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Vehicle Maintenance students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Vehicle Maintenance graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Mechanics & Repair Programs
Vehicle Maintenance is one of 8 specializations within Mechanics & Repair. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Vehicle Maintenance program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
Strong earnings and positive career growth make Vehicle Maintenance a solid option. The 4 strengths and 3 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $80,809 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +8.2% over the next decade, with Avionics Technicians among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 96,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availabilityOffered at 956 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.
CONS
Licensure often requiredMany positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
Declining roles in some areas1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
Highly competitive market68,347 students graduate from this program every year, one of the higher volumes nationally. Entry-level competition can be stiff.
Vehicle Maintenance graduates earn a national median of $80,809 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $62,834 and $103,882. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Vehicle Maintenance degree?
One year after graduation, Vehicle Maintenance degree holders earn a median of $67,372. That climbs to $80,809 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Vehicle Maintenance degree?
Vehicle Maintenance degree holders pursue careers including Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, which pays a median of $84,890/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Vehicle Maintenance program take?
Most Vehicle Maintenance certificate programs take one to two years of full-time study. Some are available in as little as one semester at community colleges.
How many colleges offer Vehicle Maintenance?
956 colleges and universities in the United States offer Vehicle Maintenance programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Vehicle Maintenance degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $80,809 and an average net price of roughly $25,717/yr, a Vehicle Maintenance degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Vehicle Maintenance and Mechanics & Repair?
Vehicle Maintenance is a focused concentration within the broader Mechanics & Repair field. The Mechanics & Repair major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Vehicle Maintenance-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Vehicle Maintenance graduates?
Employers hiring Vehicle Maintenance graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.
Is graduate school worth it for Vehicle Maintenance graduates?
With a median salary of $80,809, graduate study in Vehicle Maintenance 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 rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Vehicle Maintenance graduates?
The job outlook for Vehicle Maintenance graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +3.7% job growth over the next 10 years. Avionics Technicians is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.2%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Mechanics & Repair Programs
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