Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Salt Lake Community College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Salt Lake Community College's automotive program stands out nationally but faces stiffer competition closer to home. Graduates earn $51,000 in their first year—landing in the 88th percentile nationally for automotive tech programs—while carrying just $12,500 in debt. That 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can expect to clear their student loans in roughly three months of work, making this one of the more accessible pathways into skilled trades.
The more nuanced story emerges in the state context. At the 60th percentile among Utah's seven automotive programs, SLCC performs solidly but not spectacularly within the state. Still, Utah's median for these programs matches SLCC's numbers exactly, suggesting the state overall offers strong automotive training. The real advantage here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see 17% income growth by year four, reaching nearly $60,000—meaningful progress in a field where many programs plateau earlier.
For families weighing trade school options, this program delivers what matters most: quick entry into decent-paying work with minimal debt burden. The modest sample size (30-100 graduates) means individual outcomes may vary, but the combination of low debt and above-average national earnings makes this a relatively low-risk bet. Your student could enter the workforce debt-light and earning more than most automotive techs nationwide within months of graduation.
Where Salt Lake Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Salt Lake Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Salt Lake Community College graduates earn $51k, placing them in the 88th percentile of all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in Utah (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake Community College | $51,047 | $59,545 | $12,500 | 0.24 |
| National Median | $42,896 | — | $12,000 | 0.28 |
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 Salt Lake Community College, approximately 16% 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.