Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Associate's Degree) at Wilson Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,842

Est. from NC median (6 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$11,425

Est. from national median (65 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable automotive programs in North Carolina, Wilson Community College graduates would enter the field earning around $39,000—somewhat below the national median of $43,000 but typical for the state. The estimated $11,400 in debt translates to a manageable 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates could reasonably pay off loans within a few years while building their careers. Several NC technical colleges report stronger first-year outcomes (Guilford Tech at $45,600, Central Piedmont at $44,700), but Wilson's figures align with mid-tier programs statewide.

The challenge is that these estimates come from peer programs, not Wilson's actual graduate outcomes, so there's uncertainty about how this specific program performs. Automotive technology earnings can vary significantly based on local job markets, dealership networks, and whether graduates pursue ASE certifications. Wilson's location in eastern North Carolina may offer different opportunities than programs near Charlotte or the Triad, where top-performing schools cluster.

For families considering this path, the debt load appears reasonable for a skilled trade, but the earnings estimate sits at the lower end of what automotive techs can achieve. If your child is mechanically inclined and committed to the field, this could work—just recognize you're making the decision with limited visibility into Wilson's specific track record.

Where Wilson Community College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (40 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Wilson Community CollegeWilson	$2,572	$38,842*	—	$11,425*	—
Guilford Technical Community CollegeJamestown	$2,319	$45,604*	$49,591	$14,249*	0.31
Central Piedmont Community CollegeCharlotte	$2,792	$44,653*	$59,300	—*	—
Forsyth Technical Community CollegeWinston-Salem	$2,256	$39,008*	$36,299	$7,916*	0.20
Davidson-Davie Community CollegeThomasville	$1,978	$38,675*	—	—*	—
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community CollegeAsheville	$2,882	$36,536*	—	—*	—
National Median	—	$42,896*	—	$12,000*	0.28

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Wilson Community College, approximately 25% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.