Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,261
42nd percentile (80th in TX)
Median Debt
$8,867
7% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.24
Manageable
Sample Size
252
Adequate data

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

Lamson InstituteOther electrical and power transmission installers programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Lamson Institute$36,261$46,753$8,8670.24
Western Texas College$68,077
Texas State Technical College$56,597$102,458$8,1770.14
Milan Institute-San Antonio Ingram$40,238$9,5000.24
Southern Careers Institute-Waco$25,267$7,1250.28
Southern Careers Institute-Brownsville$25,267$7,1250.28
National Median$38,716$9,5000.25

Other Electrical and Power Transmission Installers Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.