Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Montana State University Billings

Billings, MT · Public · Associate Degree

with a smaller student body of 2,710 in Billings, MT.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $47,702 at Montana State University Billings come in 23% above the national median of $38,662 for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies programs.

The 40.2x 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 8%. Career paths for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Ranked #160 out of 409 programs, Montana State University Billings's Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $47,702 to $53,559 over five years (12% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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.

64 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
64
Score
65
High End
Earnings $47,702/yr (23% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$545K
2.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
40.7x
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)
$13,412
Out-of-state: $42,694
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,559
12% 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 Montana State University Billings

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 64/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Montana State University Billings?
A score of 64/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies field.
How AI-proof is a career in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies?
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies 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.
Are there apprenticeship options for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies?
Yes — 64 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies career paths, including Aerospace Propulsion Jet Engine Mech (Military Only). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
How many job openings are there for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates?
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 →