Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College

The four-year earnings figure tells the real story here: graduates of comparable electrical installation programs in Illinois typically see their income jump from around $35,000 in year one to over $91,000 by year four. That's a trajectory worth serious attention, especially when the estimated debt load is just $7,416—roughly two months of that fourth-year salary. The estimated 0.21 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests this program sets up graduates to pay off their investment quickly once they're established in the field.

The challenge is the first year. Similar Illinois programs suggest starting earnings around $35,000, which falls below the national median of $38,716 for this credential. That initial wage matters because it's when debt repayment typically begins. However, the trades sector in Chicago offers clear advancement paths for skilled electricians, and the dramatic jump to $91,000 by year four suggests graduates who stay in the field move into better-paying roles relatively quickly—possibly as journeymen or specialized installers.

For families weighing this option, the key question is whether your student can manage that first year or two on a tight budget while building experience. The low debt burden makes this feasible for many, and the four-year earnings suggest the early sacrifice pays off. Just understand you're looking at peer program outcomes, not Daley's specific track record, since the school's graduate pool is too small for the Department of Education to report separately.