Vehicle Repair Technology at Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga, TN · Public · Certificate · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

with a smaller student body of 4,689 in Chattanooga, TN.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,028/yr, roughly in line with the $38,662 national median for Vehicle Repair Technology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 92.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

With only 14% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 14%. Career paths for Vehicle Repair Technology are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

With first-year pay of $35,028 far exceeding the $5,415 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #114 out of 409 programs, Chattanooga State Community College's Vehicle Repair Technology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $35,028 to $41,542 over five years (19% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

With 64 registered apprenticeships mapped to Vehicle Repair Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

68 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
68
Score
68
High End
Earnings $35,028/yr (-9% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$428K
4.4% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
94.0x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
19 of 19
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,550
Out-of-state: $17,750
Median Debt at Graduation
$5,415
1.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,542
19% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment $82,730 +6.1% 76%
Avionics technicians $81,390 +8.2% 76%
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians $79,830 +8.1% 68%
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment
$82,730
+6.1% growth 76% AI-proof
Avionics technicians
$81,390
+8.2% growth 76% AI-proof
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
$79,830
+8.1% growth 68% AI-proof

View all 19 career paths with full salary data →

Vehicle Repair Technology Career Guide

Explore what Vehicle Repair Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 409 programs nationwide.

Read the full Vehicle Repair Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Vehicle Repair Technology Overview

Vehicle Repair Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Chattanooga State Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Chattanooga State Community College's Vehicle Repair Technology program score?
At 68/100, Chattanooga State Community College's Vehicle Repair Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
How safe is Vehicle Repair Technology from automation?
For Chattanooga State Community College graduates, AI risk is minimal. Vehicle Repair Technology rated "AI-Proof" — 86% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
What's the typical debt for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Chattanooga State Community College?
Median debt of just $5,415 against $35,028/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 2 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Are there apprenticeship options for Vehicle Repair Technology?
The DOL recognizes 64 apprenticeship pathways related to Vehicle Repair Technology. For students weighing Chattanooga State Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Vehicle Repair Technology workers?
The very large job market (214,000 annual openings) works in favor of Vehicle Repair Technology graduates. The national outlook is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →