Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College's automotive technology program delivers first-year earnings of $52,460—beating 94% of similar programs nationwide and substantially outpacing the typical $42,896 median. That's a remarkable outcome for a two-year degree, especially in a high-cost-of-living market where strong starting salaries matter. While the debt figure of $11,425 is estimated from comparable community college programs nationally (the school's actual graduate sample was too small for the DOE to publish), this borrowing level appears manageable against the strong earnings trajectory.

The numbers tell a clear story about Hawaii's automotive labor market. Students here earn roughly $10,000 more in their first year than their mainland counterparts, likely reflecting both Hawaii's vehicle repair costs and technician scarcity in an isolated island economy. Growth to $61,800 by year four suggests experienced technicians command premium wages locally. Even if actual debt runs somewhat higher than the national estimate suggests, the 0.22 debt-to-earnings ratio leaves comfortable breathing room.

For families weighing this investment, the program appears to position graduates well for Hawaii's specific market needs. The substantial earnings premium over both national and state medians isn't just noise—it reflects real demand for skilled automotive technicians in Honolulu. The uncertainty around exact debt levels matters less when starting salaries run this high above comparable programs.