Vehicle Repair Technology at Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID · Public · Certificate · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

serving 7,260 students in Pocatello, ID.

Program Analysis

Idaho State University's Vehicle Repair Technology 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 Repair Technology 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 Repair Technology 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 Repair Technology 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 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 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 Repair Technology program score?
This program scores 65/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates.
Is Vehicle Repair Technology from Idaho State University a future-proof career choice?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 14% of Vehicle Repair Technology tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 19 of 19 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
How affordable is Vehicle Repair Technology at Idaho State University?
At $11,000 in median debt, Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Idaho State University carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Are there apprenticeship options for Vehicle Repair Technology?
There are 64 registered apprenticeships connected to Vehicle Repair Technology occupations, such as Aerospace Propulsion Jet Engine Mech (Military Only) and Air Conditioning Mechanic (Auto Serv). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Will Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Idaho State University find jobs?
With approximately 214,000 annual openings across mapped careers, Vehicle Repair Technology offers a very large employment pool. Idaho State University graduates enter a market shaped by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →