Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Bakersfield College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
bakersfieldcollege.eduAnalysis
Based on comparable electrical and power transmission programs in California, this certificate appears to position graduates near the middle of the pack—with estimated first-year earnings around $41,500 and debt around $7,400. That debt load is notably lower than both the state median ($11,725) and national median ($9,500) for similar programs, which matters significantly for a technical credential where you're trying to minimize time and cost before entering the workforce.
The earnings picture is harder to assess with confidence. Other programs in the area, like those at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield, report actual outcomes around $43,400—suggesting Bakersfield College's graduates could land in a similar range, though we're working from estimates here. The key advantage is that debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18, meaning graduates would owe less than two months of their first-year salary. For skilled trades, that's a manageable starting point.
The uncertainty here is real—without reported outcomes specific to Bakersfield College, you're relying on how their program stacks up against peers statewide. If your student is committed to electrical work and values keeping debt minimal, this path shows promise. But compare it directly against programs with reported data, particularly the nearby San Joaquin Valley options, to see if slightly higher debt might come with clearer earnings outcomes.
Where Bakersfield College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (50 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,430 | $41,499* | — | $7,416* | — | |
| $1,238 | $50,745* | $65,500 | —* | — | |
| — | $43,388* | — | $12,727* | 0.29 | |
| — | $43,388* | — | $12,727* | 0.29 | |
| — | $43,388* | — | $12,727* | 0.29 | |
| — | $43,388* | — | $12,727* | 0.29 | |
| National Median | — | $38,716* | — | $9,500* | 0.25 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electricians
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Solar Energy Installation Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
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 Bakersfield College, approximately 29% 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 18 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.