Est. Earnings (1yr)
$55,314
Est. from CA median (6 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$8,796
Est. from national median (16 programs)

Analysis

When comparable certificate programs in California produce first-year earnings around $55,000 against estimated debt of just $8,800, the financial math works strongly in graduates' favor. That 0.16 debt-to-earnings ratio means students would owe roughly two months of their first-year salary—manageable by most measures. The fact that 38% of Lemoore students receive Pell grants suggests this program serves a population where accessible, affordable technical training can make a real difference.

The challenge here is certainty. Because Lemoore's graduate cohort is too small to generate published data, these figures come from peer programs across California and similar community college certificate offerings nationwide. Heavy equipment maintenance tends to be stable work—the national median of $50,500 suggests consistent demand—but actual outcomes at Lemoore could vary based on local employer relationships, internship pipelines, and how well the curriculum matches regional industry needs. Programs like this often succeed or struggle based on factors the numbers can't capture.

For families looking at technical training as a pragmatic path forward, the estimated financial picture is encouraging: low debt, solid starting wages, and work that can't be outsourced. But before committing, talk directly with Lemoore's program coordinator about job placement rates and which local employers hire their graduates. The estimated numbers suggest this could be a smart investment—actual outcomes depend on execution.

Where Lemoore College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (26 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Lemoore CollegeLemoore$1,384$55,314*—$8,796*—
San Joaquin Valley College-VisaliaVisalia—$55,314*$55,202$9,500*0.17
San Joaquin Valley College-BakersfieldBakersfield—$55,314*$55,202$9,500*0.17
San Joaquin Valley College-FresnoFresno—$55,314*$55,202$9,500*0.17
San Joaquin Valley College-OntarioOntario—$55,314*$55,202$9,500*0.17
San Joaquin Valley College-ModestoSalida—$55,314*$55,202$9,500*0.17
National Median—$50,524*—$9,500*0.19
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies graduates

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers

Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.

$106,580/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.

$63,510/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.

$63,510/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Millwrights

Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.

$63,510/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.

$62,740/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Rail Car Repairers

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.

$62,740/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Wind Turbine Service Technicians

Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.

$62,580/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door

Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons

Build or repair equipment such as furnaces, kilns, cupolas, boilers, converters, ladles, soaking pits, and ovens, using refractory materials.

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 Lemoore College, approximately 38% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.