2026 ROI Award Winner
Median Earnings (1yr)
$70,166
95th percentile
Median Debt
$5,812
39% below national median

Analysis

With median earnings of $70,166 just one year after completing this certificate, Kennebec Valley Community College's program delivers nearly double the national median for electrical installation programs—and ranks in the 95th percentile nationally. Among Maine's five programs in this field, it outearns the state median by nearly $23,000 and sits in the 80th percentile. The $5,812 in typical debt means graduates need just over one month of earnings to clear their loans, one of the most favorable debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find in any technical program.

The earnings trajectory is particularly encouraging: graduates see modest but steady growth to $74,540 by year four. While other Maine community colleges in this field produce earnings in the mid-$40,000s, Kennebec Valley graduates consistently earn 50% more—likely reflecting stronger employer partnerships or specialization in more lucrative sectors of electrical work. The 31% Pell grant rate suggests this program successfully serves students from varied economic backgrounds, making it accessible to families who most need strong ROI.

For a student interested in hands-on electrical work, this certificate offers exceptional value: high starting wages, minimal debt, and quick entry into the workforce. The combination of low investment and immediately strong earnings makes this one of the standout technical programs in Maine.

Where Kennebec Valley Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Kennebec Valley Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Kennebec Valley Community College$70,166$74,540+6%
Texas State Technical College$56,597$102,458+81%
Northwest Iowa Community College$78,118$91,734+17%
Trinidad State College$73,424$86,350+18%
Chippewa Valley Technical College$60,950$83,172+36%

Compare to Similar Programs in Maine

Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at peer institutions in Maine (5 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Kennebec Valley Community CollegeFairfield$3,562$70,166$74,540$5,8120.08
Southern Maine Community CollegeSouth Portland$3,797$47,382
Eastern Maine Community CollegeBangor$3,877$46,875$11,5150.25
National Median$38,716$9,5000.25

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

$92,560/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electricians

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

$62,350/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

Solar Energy Installation Managers

Direct work crews installing residential or commercial solar photovoltaic or thermal systems.

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

Signal and Track Switch Repairers

Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.

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 Kennebec Valley Community College, approximately 31% 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 37 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.