Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for professionals seeking expertise in sustainable transportation systems, this program equips learners with the technical competencies required to maintain and modify vehicles powered by alternative fuels. Students gain hands-on proficiency in next-generation propulsion technologies, preparing them for dynamic roles in the evolving automotive industry.
- Electric Vehicle Systems: Focuses on battery management, motor control, and charging infrastructure essential for the operation and maintenance of fully electric vehicles.
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Vehicles: Covers fuel storage, delivery systems, and safety protocols specific to LPG-powered vehicles and their integration into existing automotive frameworks.
- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicles: Explores high-pressure fuel storage, regulator systems, and the unique mechanical and safety considerations of CNG-fueled powertrains.
- Hybrid Fuel Technology: Examines the integration of internal combustion engines with electric propulsion, emphasizing efficiency optimization and system diagnostics.
- Electrical and Electronic Systems: Provides in-depth training on vehicle wiring, control modules, sensors, and diagnostic tools used in modern alternative fuel platforms.
- Engine Performance and Diagnostics: Teaches methods for analyzing and optimizing engine output, fuel efficiency, and emissions in alternative fuel configurations.
- Vehicle Conversion and Installation: Delivers practical experience in retrofitting conventional vehicles to operate on alternative fuels, including compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology degrees, including Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 688,840 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics 49-3023 | $49,670 | $33,660 - $80,850 | 688,840 | $23.88 |
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $36,320 in West Virginia to $71,030 in District of Columbia—a 96% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, California, and Alaska. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 688,840 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 21 institutions offering Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology is found at Mission College (143 graduates), University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) (43 graduates), City College of San Francisco (CCSF) (38 graduates), Heartland Community College (HCC ) (37 graduates), and Rio Hondo College (RHC) (33 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 412 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mission College |
Other Award
|
143 | Santa Clara, California | Public | missioncollege.edu |
| University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
43 | Lima, Ohio | Private | unoh.edu |
| City College of San Francisco (CCSF) |
Other Award
|
38 | San Francisco, California | Public | ccsf.edu |
| Heartland Community College (HCC ) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
37 | Normal, Illinois | Public | heartland.edu |
| Rio Hondo College (RHC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
33 | Whittier, California | Public | riohondo.edu |
| San Diego Miramar College |
Other Award
|
23 | San Diego, California | Public | sdmiramar.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
18 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wsutech.edu |
| Evergreen Valley College (EVC) |
Other Award
|
17 | San Jose, California | Public | evc.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Other Award
|
14 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) |
Other Award
|
11 | Los Angeles, California | Public | lattc.edu |
| Central Oregon Community College (COCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
7 | Bend, Oregon | Public | cocc.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
5 | Newbern, Tennessee | Public | tcatnorthwest.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
5 | Crossville, Tennessee | Public | tcatcrossville.edu |
| Saddleback College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
4 | Mission Viejo, California | Public | saddleback.edu |
| Las Positas College (LPC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Livermore, California | Public | laspositascollege.edu |
| College of the Desert (COD) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
2 | Palm Desert, California | Public | collegeofthedesert.edu |
| Long Beach City College (LBCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Long Beach, California | Public | lbcc.edu |
| San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) |
Other Award
|
2 | San Bernardino, California | Public | valleycollege.edu |
| Kaskaskia College (KC) |
Residency
|
2 | Centralia, Illinois | Public | kaskaskia.edu |
| Massasoit Community College |
Other Award
|
1 | Brockton, Massachusetts | Public | massasoit.edu |
| Copper Mountain Community College (CMC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Joshua Tree, California | Public | cmccd.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology degree?
Salaries for Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology graduates vary by role and location. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn a median of $49,670 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $71,030 compared to $36,320 in West Virginia. Approximately 688,840 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology programs?
Currently 21 accredited institutions offer Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Mission College (143 graduates), University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) (43 graduates), and City College of San Francisco (CCSF) (38 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 24 in 2010 to 412 in 2023-24. This represents a 1,617% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. Related occupations employ approximately 688,840 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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