Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at El Paso Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$43,602

Est. from national median (13 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$10,263

Est. from national median (8 programs)

Analysis

El Paso Community College's industrial production technology certificate comes with an estimated $10,263 in debt—right in line with what similar programs cost nationally. The estimated first-year earnings of $43,602 produce a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with about three months' salary. That's a manageable burden, though it's worth noting that other Texas programs in this field show stronger outcomes, with the median across the state hitting $48,835 and top programs like Texas State Technical College reaching $54,068.

The gap between El Paso's estimated earnings and the Texas median—about $5,000 annually—isn't enormous, but it compounds over time. Regional economic factors likely play a role here, as El Paso's job market may simply offer different wages than Houston or Dallas. Still, a quarter of a year's earnings in debt for a credential that puts you above $40,000 in your first year represents a reasonable entry point into skilled manufacturing work.

For parents weighing this option: the estimated numbers suggest a certificate that won't bury your child in debt, but Texas offers stronger-performing alternatives if relocation is feasible. If staying in El Paso makes sense for family or cost-of-living reasons, this program provides a low-risk pathway to steady work, even if it's not the highest-earning option in the state.

Where El Paso Community College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (12 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
El Paso Community CollegeEl Paso	$3,274	$43,602*	—	$10,263*	—
Texas State Technical CollegeWaco	$7,192	$54,068*	—	$9,500*	0.18
Lone Star College SystemThe Woodlands	$3,090	$43,602*	$45,784	—*	—
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 El Paso Community College, approximately 36% 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.