Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID · Public · Certificate

serving 7,260 students in Pocatello, ID.

Program Analysis

Idaho State University's Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies program produces graduates earning $39,256/yr — within striking distance of the $38,662 national average for this trade.

With a 57.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $11,000 in median debt clears fast against $39,256 in annual earnings.

A #143 ranking among 409 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies programs places Idaho State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 21% earnings increase from $39,256 to $47,443 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 64 apprenticeship pathways connected to Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

65 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
65
Score
65
High End
Earnings $39,256/yr (2% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$490K
4.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
58.7x
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)
$8,356
Out-of-state: $27,466
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,443
21% 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 Idaho State University

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Idaho State University's Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies program score?
This program scores 65/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates.
Will AI replace Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies jobs?
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 Idaho State University?
At $11,000 in median debt, Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates from Idaho State University carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
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?
With approximately 214,000 annual openings across mapped careers, Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →