Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Hillsborough Community College

Hillsborough Community College's electrical program produces first-year earnings of $54,584—outperforming not just Florida's median of $31,550 but also the top-earning comparable program in the state by more than $11,000. With estimated debt around $7,400 based on typical certificate programs at the school, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.14, meaning debt represents roughly seven weeks of first-year income.

What makes this outcome particularly strong is the context: nearly half of students receive Pell grants, suggesting this program serves working-class students who need credentials that deliver immediate returns. The Tampa location likely plays a role—electrical work in a growing metro area with construction activity and infrastructure needs commands higher wages than the state average. Similar programs nationally median at $38,716, putting Hillsborough's results $16,000 higher.

The caveat is that debt figures here are estimated from peer certificate programs rather than reported outcomes for this specific cohort. But even if actual debt ran higher, the strong earnings would cushion the impact. For a family-supporting credential that can be completed quickly, this program shows the kind of return that makes technical education compelling—especially in a field where demand isn't going away.