Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Spokane Community College

Spokane Community College's automotive program graduates earn about $4,000 less than the state median and nearly $5,000 below the national average for this field. At 40th percentile among Washington's 25 auto tech programs, it sits in the bottom half of in-state options. Clark College, for comparison, produces graduates earning $7,400 more in their first year. The debt load of $15,011 is slightly above both state and national norms, pushing the debt-to-earnings ratio to 0.39—manageable but not exceptional for a trade program where lower ratios are common.

The earnings trajectory tells a modest success story: graduates see 17% income growth by year four, reaching $44,580. That's solid progression for the trades, suggesting skills development translates to better opportunities over time. However, even with this growth, earnings remain below what many competing programs deliver right out of the gate.

For families banking on technical training as a cost-effective path to employment, this program works but doesn't excel. The debt is reasonable and graduates do find work, but Washington offers stronger automotive programs that justify the modest additional research. If Spokane Community College offers significant geographic convenience or your student has already established connections with local employers, it remains viable—just understand you're choosing location over optimization.