Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Butler Community College

The most striking detail here is the gap between what this program's graduates likely earn and what Kansas employers actually pay for these skills. While peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $45,000, Kansas electrical workers with associate degrees command a median of $57,325—that's nearly $13,000 more. If Butler's program connects graduates to Kansas employers, this could mean significantly better financial outcomes than the estimates indicate.

The estimated debt load of $12,000 translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27, meaning debt would represent just over three months of first-year income. Even using the more conservative national estimate, this positions graduates to pay down loans quickly while building a stable career. The electrical trades offer steady work with clear advancement paths, and an associate degree provides credentials that matter in this regulated field.

The uncertainty here cuts both ways. Butler may be suppressing data because of a small graduating class, which could signal limited program size or newer offerings. But it could also mean the program serves a niche effectively. Given Kansas's stronger market for electrical installers, and the relatively modest debt burden, this appears to be a solid technical credential—assuming graduates stay in-state where the wages justify the investment.