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Vehicle Repair Technology at Tidewater Community College

Norfolk, VA · Public · Certificate · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

serving 11,797 students in Norfolk, VA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,696/yr, roughly in line with the $38,662 national median for Vehicle Repair Technology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 63.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Vehicle Repair Technology involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

With first-year pay of $34,696 far exceeding the $5,841 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #175 ranking among 409 Vehicle Repair Technology programs places Tidewater Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

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

63 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
63
Score
64
High End
Earnings $34,696/yr (-10% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$363K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
63.5x
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)
$5,714
Out-of-state: $11,717
Median Debt at Graduation
$5,841
2.0 months of Year 1 earnings

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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Vehicle Repair Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering skilled trades.

Read the full Vehicle Repair Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Vehicle Repair Technology Overview

View all 409 schools offering Vehicle Repair Technology →

Vehicle Repair Technology at Other Schools

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach ($76,663) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide ($76,663) Ferris State University ($68,791) West Los Angeles College ($65,978) Alexandria Technical & Community College ($65,311) San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia ($64,326) San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center ($64,326) Minneapolis Community and Technical College ($59,441)

Other Majors at Tidewater Community College

Nursing ($69,764) Engineering ($68,555) Allied Health Professions ($62,524) Electrical Engineering Technology ($56,971) Mechanical Engineering Technology ($54,461) Computer Science ($45,084) Allied Health Professions ($42,572) Business Administration ($42,521)

Explore the Degree Alternative

Compare Vehicle Repair Technology degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 63/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Vehicle Repair Technology at Tidewater Community College?
A score of 63/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Vehicle Repair Technology field.
Is Vehicle Repair Technology from Tidewater Community College 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.
What's the typical debt for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Tidewater Community College?
At $5,841 in median debt, Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Tidewater Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates?
Yes — 64 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Vehicle Repair Technology career paths, including Aerospace Propulsion Jet Engine Mech (Military Only). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Tidewater Community College.
What's the job market like for Vehicle Repair Technology from Tidewater Community College?
The very large job market (214,000 annual openings) works in favor of Vehicle Repair Technology graduates. The national outlook is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →