Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degree) at Central Arizona College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$54,852

Est. from national median (49 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$12,063

Est. from national median (24 programs)

Analysis

In Arizona's electrical technology market, comparable programs show starting salaries around $58,000—about $3,200 higher than the national benchmark this program appears to align with. While we can't know Central Arizona College's actual outcomes due to small graduating cohorts, the estimated debt load of roughly $12,000 represents a manageable burden for technical trades. That's less than half what similar programs typically carry in Arizona (where the median hits nearly $29,000), suggesting CAC graduates could enter the workforce with significantly less financial strain.

The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 points to a solid foundation: borrowers would likely owe about three months' gross pay, payable within a few years even on conservative repayment plans. Electrical technicians typically find steady demand in Arizona's growing metro areas and industrial sectors, making this field more recession-resistant than many. The lower debt estimate becomes particularly valuable given that associate-level technical programs should launch careers quickly rather than requiring additional credentials.

For families weighing this program, the key question is whether CAC's specific curriculum and employer connections match Arizona's industrial needs. The estimated figures suggest peer programs produce sustainable outcomes, but you'll want to verify CAC's job placement record and whether local utilities, manufacturing plants, or construction firms actively recruit from this campus. A sub-$15,000 debt load for steady technical work is compelling—if the program actually delivers industry connections and hands-on training that translate to employment.

Where Central Arizona College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (10 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Central Arizona CollegeCoolidge	$2,250	$54,852*	—	$12,063*	—
DeVry University-ArizonaPhoenix	$17,488	$58,056*	$52,465	$28,782*	0.50
National Median	—	$54,852*	—	$14,710*	0.27

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

$65,040/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:

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 Central Arizona 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 national median of 49 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.