Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,261
42nd percentile
80th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$8,867
7% below national median

Analysis

Lamson Institute's electrical installation program punches well above its weight in Texas, landing in the 80th percentile statewide despite ranking just 42nd nationally. That state context matters: with a median of $25,267 among Texas programs, Lamson's $36,261 starting salary beats most in-state competitors by nearly $11,000. The debt load of $8,867 stays manageable at 0.24 times first-year earnings, and nearly half the students qualify for Pell grants, suggesting the program serves working-class San Antonians looking for skilled trade entry points.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story, climbing 29% to $46,753 by year four—approaching the national 75th percentile. This growth pattern suggests graduates develop marketable skills that become more valuable with experience. While top Texas programs like Western Texas College and Texas State Technical deliver significantly higher starting salaries, those likely require longer training or come with higher costs. Lamson offers a practical middle ground: relatively quick training, modest debt, and solid upward mobility in a field where experience counts.

For families seeking an affordable path to stable trade work in the San Antonio area, this program delivers competitive value. The combination of reasonable debt, strong state-level performance, and reliable earnings growth makes it a sensible investment, particularly for students who need to start earning quickly while building toward better-paying positions.

Where Lamson Institute Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Lamson Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Lamson Institute$36,261$46,753+29%
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 Texas

Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (31 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Lamson InstituteSan Antonio$36,261$46,753$8,8670.24
Western Texas CollegeSnyder$3,240$68,077
Texas State Technical CollegeWaco$7,192$56,597$102,458$8,1770.14
Milan Institute-San Antonio IngramSan Antonio$40,238$9,5000.24
Southern Careers Institute-WacoWaco$25,267$7,1250.28
Southern Careers Institute-AustinAustin$25,267$7,1250.28
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 Lamson Institute, approximately 45% 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 252 graduates with reported earnings and 200 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.