Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Lamson Institute
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Lamson Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally
Lamson Institute graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 42th percentile of all electrical and power transmission installers certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (31 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamson Institute | $36,261 | $46,753 | $8,867 | 0.24 |
| Western Texas College | $68,077 | — | — | — |
| Texas State Technical College | $56,597 | $102,458 | $8,177 | 0.14 |
| Milan Institute-San Antonio Ingram | $40,238 | — | $9,500 | 0.24 |
| Southern Careers Institute-Waco | $25,267 | — | $7,125 | 0.28 |
| Southern Careers Institute-Brownsville | $25,267 | — | $7,125 | 0.28 |
| National Median | $38,716 | — | $9,500 | 0.25 |
Other Electrical and Power Transmission Installers Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Texas College Snyder | $3,240 | $68,077 | — |
| Texas State Technical College Waco | $7,192 | $56,597 | $8,177 |
| Milan Institute-San Antonio Ingram San Antonio | — | $40,238 | $9,500 |
| Southern Careers Institute-Waco Waco | — | $25,267 | $7,125 |
| Southern Careers Institute-Brownsville Brownsville | — | $25,267 | $7,125 |
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.