Vehicle Repair Technology at Gadsden State Community College

Gadsden, AL · Public · Certificate · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

a smaller institution with 3,619 students in Gadsden, AL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,387 place Gadsden State Community College below the $38,662 national median for Vehicle Repair Technology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 127.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Vehicle Repair Technology programs nationally.

The 39% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 14% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates.

At #106 of 409 Vehicle Repair Technology programs, Gadsden State Community College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $48,539 show a 55% jump from the $31,387 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

Vehicle Repair Technology offers 64 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

68 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
68
Score
69
High End
Earnings $31,387/yr (-19% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$538K
11.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
133.4x
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)
$4,032
Out-of-state: $7,080
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,539
55% 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

Vehicle Repair Technology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Vehicle Repair Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Vehicle Repair Technology Overview

Vehicle Repair Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Gadsden 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 Gadsden State Community College's Vehicle Repair Technology program score?
A score of 68/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Vehicle Repair Technology field.
Is Vehicle Repair Technology from Gadsden State Community College a future-proof career choice?
Vehicle Repair Technology rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 14% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
Why are Vehicle Repair Technology earnings lower at Gadsden State Community College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Are there apprenticeship options for Vehicle Repair Technology?
The DOL recognizes 64 apprenticeship pathways related to Vehicle Repair Technology. For students weighing Gadsden State Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates?
At 214,000 annual openings, Vehicle Repair Technology has a very large employment base. Gadsden State Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →