Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Gateway Technical College

Gateway Technical College's automotive program graduates earn nearly $44,000 in their first year—substantially more than the national median of $35,905 and placing them in the 89th percentile nationally. However, within Wisconsin's competitive technical college landscape, the picture is more nuanced. Gateway trails Fox Valley Technical College by about $1,700 annually, though it still performs solidly in the middle of the state pack. The debt load of $9,333 is quite manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.21, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of gross earnings.

For parents, the math here works clearly in your favor. Your child would enter the workforce earning roughly $22,000 more annually than the typical automotive certificate holder nationally, while carrying less than $10,000 in debt. That's exceptional leverage. The program demonstrates particular strength when compared to most of the country, even if it's not the absolute top performer in Wisconsin. Fox Valley does edge it out, but Gateway's lower debt and strong outcomes make it a solid choice, especially if location or other factors favor Kenosha.

The combination of low debt and above-average earnings creates minimal financial risk. Automotive technicians face steady demand, and starting near $44,000 with minimal debt positions graduates well for financial stability early in their careers.