Est. Earnings (1yr)
$43,602
Est. from national median (13 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$10,263
Est. from national median (8 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 looks manageable on paper, but the heavy estimation here demands caution. With earnings derived from 13 national programs and debt from 8 similar institutional profiles, these figures represent what *similar* certificate programs produce—not what College of Southern Nevada graduates actually earn. The estimated $43,602 first-year salary sits at the national median for industrial production tech programs, suggesting neither exceptional preparation nor obvious red flags compared to peer schools.

The practical challenge is Nevada's limited industrial production landscape. With only three schools statewide offering this credential, the local job market may be concentrated in casino operations, aerospace support, or specialized manufacturing—sectors where wages and opportunities can vary dramatically. The estimated $10,263 debt is modest enough that even if actual earnings fall somewhat short of the national estimate, graduates shouldn't face crippling payments. However, 30% of students here receive Pell grants, meaning many families are banking on quick workforce entry with minimal financial risk.

Before committing, your student needs concrete answers the data can't provide: Where do graduates actually land jobs? What's the placement rate? Are employers hiring certificate holders or only those who continue to associate degrees? Without verified outcomes from this specific program, treat this as a calculated gamble—one where the stakes are relatively low, but success depends entirely on local market conditions you'll need to research independently.

Where College of Southern Nevada Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all industrial production technologies/technicians certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
College of Southern NevadaLas Vegas$4,110$43,602*—$10,263*—
Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids$4,059$70,622*—$11,500*0.16
Ivy Tech Community CollegeIndianapolis$4,912$63,796*$52,314$10,245*0.16
Antelope Valley Community College DistrictLancaster$1,124$63,060*—$10,280*0.16
Texas State Technical CollegeWaco$7,192$54,068*—$9,500*0.18
Metropolitan Community College-Kansas CityKansas City$3,630$53,967*—$9,089*0.17
National Median—$43,602*—$10,244*0.23
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with industrial production technologies/technicians graduates

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

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.

$64,790/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.

$64,790/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Semiconductor Processing Technicians

Perform any or all of the following functions in the manufacture of electronic semiconductors: load semiconductor material into furnace; saw formed ingots into segments; load individual segment into crystal growing chamber and monitor controls; locate crystal axis in ingot using x-ray equipment and saw ingots into wafers; and clean, polish, and load wafers into series of special purpose furnaces, chemical baths, and equipment used to form circuitry and change conductive properties.

$51,180/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

$51,000/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

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.

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 College of Southern Nevada, approximately 30% 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 13 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.