Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,783
95th percentile
Median Debt
$22,777
107% above national median

Analysis

National Aviation Academy's vehicle maintenance program delivers exceptional outcomes that justify its higher price tag. With median earnings of $48,783 one year after graduation, graduates earn 36% more than the national average and 51% more than the typical Florida program. This places the school in the 95th percentile both nationally and within Florida—remarkable performance in a field where most programs struggle to reach $40,000 in starting salaries.

The debt picture tells an equally compelling story. While graduates borrow $22,777 compared to the national average of $11,000, this represents excellent value given the earnings premium. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 means graduates can expect to pay off their loans in under two years of work—substantially better than most college programs. Additionally, earnings grow steadily to $56,067 by year four, providing long-term financial security in this skilled trade.

This is a premium-priced program that delivers premium results. With robust enrollment data from 100+ graduates and 63% receiving Pell grants, the school serves working-class students while consistently producing top-tier outcomes. For families willing to invest in higher-quality training, this program offers one of the strongest returns available in automotive education, significantly outperforming even well-regarded competitors like Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando.

Where National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay$48,783$56,067+15%
Lorenzo Walker Technical College$34,371$47,353+38%
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando$44,097$47,056+7%
Fort Myers Technical College$38,900$46,232+19%
Daytona State College$31,485$44,413+41%

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (61 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
National Aviation Academy of Tampa BayClearwater$48,783$56,067$22,7770.47
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-OrlandoCasselberry$16,757$44,097$47,056$30,9410.70
Pinellas Technical College-ClearwaterClearwater$40,025$30,277
Fort Myers Technical CollegeFort Myers$38,900$46,232
George Stone Technical CollegePensacola$38,536
Orange Technical College-South CampusOrlando$38,454$35,559
National Median$35,905$11,0000.31

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with vehicle maintenance and repair technologies graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Avionics Technicians

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

$60,640/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Motorcycle Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay, approximately 63% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 538 graduates with reported earnings and 522 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.