Analysis
Industrial Management Training Institute's plumbing certificate delivers strong earnings at remarkably low debt—a combination that makes it stand out even in a field known for solid returns. Starting at $42,300 and climbing to $48,388 by year four, graduates earn above the national median for plumbing programs while carrying just $9,500 in debt. That's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22, meaning graduates owe about two months' salary—manageable by any standard.
Within Connecticut, where only three schools offer plumbing certificates, this program sits at the 60th percentile for earnings, essentially matching the state median. Nationally, it performs even better, landing in the 71st percentile. The 14% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates build valuable experience and credentials that translate to higher pay. At 5th percentile for debt nationally, this is one of the least expensive paths to certification in the field.
For parents weighing trade school options, this program offers what matters most: quick entry to steady work without burying your child in debt. The low Pell grant rate (13%) might reflect the program's affordability rather than its demographics. With Connecticut's construction and maintenance sectors consistently needing skilled tradespeople, this certificate provides practical training for an occupation where you can earn a living wage from day one and grow from there.
Where Industrial Management Training Institute Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all plumbing certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Industrial Management Training Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Management Training Institute | $42,300 | $48,388 | +14% |
| Adult and Continuing Education-BCTS | $30,184 | $44,697 | +48% |
| Pennco Tech-Bristol | $31,668 | $43,261 | +37% |
| Sheridan Technical College | $35,066 | $39,553 | +13% |
| Apex Technical School | $29,497 | $37,163 | +26% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Plumbing certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $42,300 | $48,388 | $9,500 | 0.22 | |
| $4,380 | $82,055 | — | $6,726 | 0.08 | |
| $4,916 | $79,589 | — | — | — | |
| — | $63,386 | — | $6,500 | 0.10 | |
| $4,957 | $44,240 | — | — | — | |
| $17,490 | $43,556 | $36,627 | $6,500 | 0.15 | |
| National Median | — | $35,252 | — | $9,500 | 0.27 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with plumbing graduates
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Solar Energy Installation Managers
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters
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 Industrial Management Training Institute, approximately 13% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 36 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.