by our College Data Analytics TeamMachines 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. Continue reading for the essential details every mechanic & repair technologies student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering mechanic & repair technologies programs.
In the U.S., mechanic & repair technologies is a popular field of study, with 121,176 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Mechanic & Repair Technologies Schools ranking analyzes these 1,196 schools to determine the best overall colleges for mechanic & repair technologies students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of mechanic & repair technologies programs later in this article.
Studies in Mechanic & Repair Technologies emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations mechanic & repair technologies graduates commonly enter.
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.
The skill set built by a mechanic & repair technologies program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a mechanic & repair technologies major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several mechanic & repair technologies degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 47,675 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 24,298 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 203 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 44,455 |
People currently working in careers related to mechanic & repair technologies tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| 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% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in mechanic & repair technologies careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
Studying mechanic & repair technologies can lead to numerous career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to mechanic & repair technologies.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to mechanic & repair technologies.
| 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% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of mechanic & repair technologies graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $36,652 |
| 4 years | $43,209 |
| 5 years | $48,994 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for mechanic & repair technologies graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers mechanic & repair technologies grads often go into.
| 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 |
With 1,196 different mechanic & repair technologies programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased mechanic & repair technologies school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in mechanic & repair technologies, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
