Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies at Collins Career Technical Center

Based on similar heavy equipment maintenance programs across Ohio, Collins graduates could expect to earn around $44,600 in their first year—a solid middle-of-the-pack figure for the state but about $6,000 below what the strongest programs produce. With estimated debt of $8,800, this translates to a manageable 20% debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning your child could realistically pay off their certificate within a year or two of work if they stayed focused.

The challenge here is uncertainty. The Department of Education suppresses Collins' actual outcomes because too few graduates participate in the survey, so we're extrapolating from peer programs rather than seeing this school's track record. What we do know: Ohio's heavy equipment maintenance programs vary wildly in outcomes, with top performers like Warren County Career Center producing graduates earning $70,000—nearly 60% more than the state median. That gap suggests that factors like employer connections, equipment quality, and certification preparation matter enormously in this field.

For a working-class family (68% of Collins students receive Pell grants), this certificate represents a relatively low-risk entry into skilled trades. But without knowing Collins' specific placement rates or which certifications students actually earn, you're betting on the school's local reputation rather than documented results. Talk to recent graduates directly and ask which equipment brands they trained on—employers care about hands-on experience with specific manufacturers.