Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies at Gwinnett Technical College
Associate's Degree
gwinnetttech.eduAnalysis
Georgia's heavy equipment maintenance programs typically generate strong earnings outcomes, and comparable programs nationally suggest Gwinnett Technical College follows this pattern. With estimated first-year earnings around $55,500 against debt of roughly $11,900, graduates would owe about four months of gross pay—a manageable burden for skilled trades work. Similar programs in Georgia actually perform slightly better, with the state median reaching $58,200, suggesting this estimate may be conservative.
The field itself demonstrates clear value: among the 222 programs nationwide, outcomes cluster in a narrow, favorable range where most graduates earn solidly middle-class wages within their first year. Equipment maintenance technicians enter a labor market with persistent demand, particularly in Georgia's logistics and manufacturing sectors. The relatively modest debt load at technical colleges like Gwinnett means students aren't sacrificing years of earnings to loan repayment the way four-year graduates often do.
The challenge here is uncertainty. Since actual outcomes for Gwinnett's specific graduates aren't available, you're betting this program performs like its peers rather than knowing it does. With 20 schools offering this credential in Georgia—and some reporting significantly higher earnings—it's worth investigating what makes certain programs outperform others. Still, the fundamentals look sound: low debt, practical skills, and entry into an occupation where the work-to-income ratio typically favors workers.
Where Gwinnett Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,356 | $55,532* | — | $11,875* | — | |
| $3,132 | $62,982* | $67,822 | —* | — | |
| $3,782 | $53,379* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $55,532* | — | $12,000* | 0.22 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies graduates
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Millwrights
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Rail Car Repairers
Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
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 Gwinnett Technical College, approximately 39% 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 29 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.