Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Northwood Technical College

Rice Lake, WI · Public · Certificate

with a smaller student body of 2,026 in Rice Lake, WI.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,702/yr, roughly in line with the $38,662 national median for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 131.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies carry above-average AI exposure (14% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

With first-year pay of $35,702 far exceeding the $5,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Northwood Technical College ranks #75 among 409 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $35,702-to-$57,842 earnings arc over five years reflects a 62% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

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.

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
71
Score
71
High End
Earnings $35,702/yr (-8% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$627K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
138.5x
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)
$4,524
Out-of-state: $6,583
Median Debt at Graduation
$5,500
1.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,842
62% 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 Northwood Technical College

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 71/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Northwood Technical College?
A score of 71/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Northwood Technical College's Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
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.
What's the typical debt for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates from Northwood Technical College?
At $5,500 in median debt, Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates from Northwood Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Why does Northwood Technical College rank so high for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies?
Ranked #75 of 409 programs nationally, Northwood Technical College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Are there apprenticeship options for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies?
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies connects to 64 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
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 →