Est. Earnings (1yr)
$50,675
Est. from national median (20 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$7,625
Est. from national median (7 programs)

Analysis

A debt load around $7,600 against first-year earnings near $51,000 creates a manageable 0.15 debt-to-earnings ratio—though both figures come from comparable programs nationally rather than Los Angeles Harbor's actual graduate outcomes. Similar electromechanical technology certificates typically produce earnings that align closely with the national median of roughly $51,000, suggesting this field maintains consistent value across institutions. The estimated debt here runs notably lower than California's typical $15,000 for this credential, which could reflect Harbor College's community college pricing advantage.

The financial math works in a student's favor: peer programs suggest earnings that would allow graduates to cover this debt burden within months rather than years. Electromechanical technicians find steady demand in California's industrial sectors, particularly around major port facilities like those near Wilmington. That said, the absence of reported data means parents can't see how Harbor College graduates specifically fare compared to the single California program with published outcomes (Southern California Institute of Technology at $50,793).

For families weighing this option, the estimated numbers suggest solid return potential on a modest investment. But before enrolling, contact the college directly for their most recent graduate outcomes—employment rates, typical starting positions, and actual salary ranges for their completers. The theoretical picture looks sound; you'll want concrete evidence it translates to real results for students walking through Harbor College's doors.

Where Los Angeles Harbor College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electromechanical instrumentation and maintenance technologies/technicians certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (37 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Los Angeles Harbor CollegeWilmington$1,238$50,675*—$7,625*—
Southern California Institute of TechnologyAnaheim$20,515$50,793*$61,655$9,929*0.20
National Median—$50,674*—$9,929*0.20
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electromechanical instrumentation and maintenance technologies/technicians graduates

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

$65,040/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Medical Equipment Repairers

Test, adjust, or repair biomedical or electromedical equipment.

$62,630/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other

All precision instrument and equipment repairers not listed separately.

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 Los Angeles Harbor College, approximately 23% 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 national median of 20 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.