Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Helena College University of Montana

Helena, MT · Public · Associate Degree

a compact campus enrolling 641 students in Helena, MT.

Program Analysis

At $46,288 per year, Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates from Helena College University of Montana earn slightly above the $38,662 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 74.9x 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.

AI risk is moderate — 14% task exposure — and the 21% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates.

The median debt load of $12,825 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #68 out of 409 programs, Helena College University of Montana's Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $46,288 to $58,422 shows 26% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
68
Low End
71
Score
72
High End
Earnings $46,288/yr (20% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$610K
6.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
76.7x
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)
$7,950
Out-of-state: $21,374
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,825
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,422
26% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies 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 →

About Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Careers

Your career starts on the shop floor, grabbing a diagnostic scanner to pinpoint engine trouble or getting your hands dirty with a wrench during a brake job. As an automotive service technician, your day involves solving complex mechanical and electrical puzzles in a busy garage to get cars safely back on the road. You could also specialize in heavy-duty vehicles, working on the powerful diesel engines that keep our country’s trucks and buses running.

Read the full Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Overview

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Helena College University of Montana

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 71/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Helena College University of Montana?
This program scores 71/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
How safe is Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Our model rates it "AI-Proof" overall.
How affordable is Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Helena College University of Montana?
At $12,825 in median debt, Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates from Helena College University of Montana carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
What makes Helena College University of Montana's Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies program stand out?
The #68 ranking out of 409 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates?
There are 64 registered apprenticeships connected to Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Is there demand for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies workers?
The career paths mapped to Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies have roughly 214,000 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →