Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Central Piedmont Community College
Associate's Degree
cpcc.eduAnalysis
North Carolina's electrical and power transmission programs typically produce stronger outcomes than the national average—the state median of $57,134 is nearly $13,000 higher than what comparable programs nationally suggest for Central Piedmont's graduates. That's a significant gap worth understanding. Top performers in the state like Richmond Community College report first-year earnings above $73,000, while others cluster closer to $40,000, showing this field's outcomes can swing widely depending on the program and local employer connections.
The estimated $12,000 debt load keeps this program accessible, translating to a 0.27 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable even at the lower earnings estimate. For context, similar community college programs nationally carry a median debt of $12,748. The real question is whether Central Piedmont's specific curriculum and industry partnerships position graduates closer to that $57,000 state average or the $44,000 national figure. Charlotte's robust energy infrastructure and construction market could work in this program's favor, but without actual outcome data, you're betting on local advantage rather than proven results.
Before committing, connect with Central Piedmont's career services to understand which employers hire their electrical installation graduates and what those starting wages actually look like. The skilled trades typically reward hands-on training quality and apprenticeship connections more than the name on your degree, so those specific placement relationships matter more here than for many other programs.
Where Central Piedmont Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers associates's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,792 | $44,727* | — | $12,000* | — | |
| $2,552 | $73,774* | $94,294 | $11,000* | 0.15 | |
| $2,571 | $40,495* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $44,727* | — | $12,748* | 0.29 |
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 Central Piedmont Community College, approximately 39% 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 51 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.