Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCES

Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCES runs an automotive technician program where similar certificates in New York suggest first-year earnings around $35,900 paired with an estimated $9,500 in debt. That 0.26 debt ratio is manageable—about three months of gross pay—and considerably better than the state's typical $13,560 for comparable programs. For a field where earnings often start immediately and grow with certifications and specializations, entering with minimal debt matters more than chasing slightly higher starting figures.

The catch is uncertainty. The state's automotive programs span a wide range, from Mohawk Valley Community College graduates earning $55,700 to programs closer to $30,000. Without actual outcome data from this specific BOCES location, you're relying on the performance of peer programs rather than a proven track record. The low debt figure suggests limited financial risk, but you won't know where graduates actually land in that $30K-$56K spectrum until they're already in the field.

For parents considering this certificate, the practical question is whether your student can secure an apprenticeship or dealership position in the Plattsburgh area that justifies even this modest investment. Talk to local shop owners, visit the program's facilities, and ask which employers actually hire their graduates—because in automotive work, those connections often matter more than the credential itself.