Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's Industrial Production Technologies program is crushing it—graduates earn nearly $80,000 right out of the gate, placing them in the 95th percentile both nationally and among California programs. To put that in perspective, this is $33,000 more than the typical California graduate in this field and nearly $20,000 above the national median. You're looking at earnings that exceed even the 75th percentile nationally, which is remarkable for a first-year salary.
The debt picture makes this even more compelling. At $18,250, graduates owe less than both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23—meaning students could theoretically pay off their loans with just three months of their first year's salary. Compare that to CSU Los Angeles or Fresno, where graduates earn nearly half as much. The moderate sample size suggests this isn't a fluke from tracking just a handful of graduates.
For a parent weighing options, this is straightforward: Cal Poly SLO has built something special here, likely benefiting from strong industry connections in California's manufacturing and tech sectors. The combination of top-tier earnings and manageable debt makes this one of the best industrial technology programs you'll find anywhere, not just in California.
Where California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all industrial production technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates compare to all programs nationally
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn $79k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all industrial production technologies/technicians bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $78,938 | — | $18,250 | 0.23 |
| California State University-Los Angeles | $45,287 | $62,161 | $15,883 | 0.35 |
| California State University-Fresno | $42,807 | $52,823 | $10,518 | 0.25 |
| National Median | $59,822 | — | $24,250 | 0.41 |
Other Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Los Angeles Los Angeles | $6,813 | $45,287 | $15,883 |
| California State University-Fresno Fresno | $6,980 | $42,807 | $10,518 |
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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, approximately 18% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 39 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.