by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 1,196 U.S. colleges awarded 136,889 degrees and certificates in Mechanic & Repair Technologies. Certificates are the most popular award, at 40% of graduates. College Factual ranks 984 schools in its 2027 Best Mechanic & Repair Technologies Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $36,640 one year after completing, rising to $52,218 after four years.
Machines and appliances break down all the time. When it's something like a microwave it may not have too much of an impact, but when machinery breaks down in a factory, hospital or power plant, this requires immediate action. Mechanic and Repair Technicians serve invaluable and necessary functions in everyday life, and their skills are always in demand.
A program in Mechanic and Repair Technologies will prepare students to learn the technical knowledge and skill to maintenance, replace parts, adjust, and repair tools, equipment, and machines. Some of the majors in the field are Electronic Maintenance and Repair; Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration (HVACR); Industrial Equipment Maintenance; and Vehicle Maintenance & Repair. While studying in this field, you will be taking courses in blueprint reading, electronics, mechanical drawing, electricity fundamentals, and semiconductor devices. This program is often completed as a certificate, however can be earned as an associate's degree in some cases.
A major in Mechanic & Repair Technologies explores Mechanic And Repair Technologies/technicians. Instructional Programs That Prepare Individuals To Apply Technical Knowledge And Skills In The Adjustment, Maintenance, Part Replacement, And Repair Of Tools, Equipment, And Machines.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., mechanic & repair technologies is a popular field of study, with 136,889 degrees awarded annually. 1,196 colleges award mechanic & repair technologies degrees, an average of 114 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 2,979.
By level, the 136,889 awards include 54,416 certificates, 26,982 associate degrees, 272 bachelor’s degrees and 49,237 master’s degrees.
Women earned 9% of mechanic & repair technologies degrees and certificates in the latest year (11,771 of 136,889). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (60,421) and Hispanic or Latino (41,192), and international students earned 659.
College Factual ranks 984 schools in its 2027 Best Mechanic & Repair Technologies Schools ranking, including 392 for associate degrees, 7 for bachelor’s degrees and 1 for master’s degrees. It also ranks mechanic & repair technologies schools within 45 states. In all, 1,196 colleges offer mechanic & repair technologies programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Mechanic & Repair Technologies Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common mechanic & repair technologies credential is the certificate: 54,416 of the 136,889 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to mechanic & repair technologies call most for Repairing, Troubleshooting and Critical Thinking, and for knowledge of Mechanical, Customer and Personal Service and English Language, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Problem Sensitivity and Arm-Hand Steadiness.
If you have a curiosity for how things work and enjoy learning how to fix things, you would be well- suited for this major. Most programs require student to acquire an apprenticeships in order to gain work experience and learn basic skills hands-on. This means you will divide your time between work in the field and hours spent in the classroom.
Problem solving is an essential skill to possess for this program. It is your job to diagnose and repair complex problems with machinery. Students should also take care to develop customer-service skills. This will help you in a career in communicating with clients.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a mechanic & repair technologies degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 54,416 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 26,982 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 272 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 49,237 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to mechanic & repair technologies, at 42.8%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 42.8% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 30.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 9.0% |
| Some college courses | 7.3% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 6.0% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 4.1% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.3% |
| First professional degree | 0.2% |
| Master’s degree | 0.2% |
| Doctoral degree | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
30 occupations are related to Mechanic & Repair Technologies, with an average median salary of $55,886; the strongest outlook belongs to Wind Turbine Service Technicians, at 14.9% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Service Technician, Installer, Mechanic and Repair Technician.
An individual who completes a program in Mechanic and Repair Technologies has the opportunity to enter into a variety of career paths working with various machinery or vehicles. You could become an electronic engineering technician and help engineers design and develop electrical devices. Another field is in home appliance installation and repairs. A more in-demand position would be a heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technician. These professionals maintain, repair, and inspect vehicles and machinery in transportation, construction, and other industries. Other jobs include diesel service technicians, vehicle mechanics and more.
The occupation related to mechanic & repair technologies with the most projected jobs is Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers, at 838,729.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers | 838,729 | 7.2% |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 836,825 | 9.2% |
| Semiconductor Processing Technicians | 812,716 | 7.8% |
| Gem and Diamond Workers | 797,991 | 3.9% |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | 654,564 | 11.7% |
| Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons | 628,417 | 12.0% |
| Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters | 581,840 | 6.9% |
| Bicycle Repairers | 578,738 | 13.1% |
Mechanic & Repair Technologies graduates earn a median $36,640 one year after completing their program, $52,218 after four years and $49,053 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $36,640 |
| 4 years | $52,218 |
| 5 years | $49,053 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to mechanic & repair technologies is Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay, with a median salary of $89,975.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | $89,975 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | $85,639 |
| Motorcycle Mechanics | $83,695 |
| Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers | $77,621 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $76,815 |
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | $74,051 |
| Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door | $69,523 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | $68,487 |
Mechanic & Repair Technologies includes 8 concentrations that together award 136,889 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology/Technician, General (81,624), Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) (28,286) and Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (10,791). Browse the full list of college majors.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
