Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degree) at Los Angeles Trade Technical College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$54,852

Est. from national median (49 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$12,063

Est. from national median (24 programs)

Analysis

With California's electrical technician programs typically producing first-year earnings around $58,000, Los Angeles Trade Technical College's estimated outcomes suggest a solid foundation for career entry. Based on national peer programs, graduates here likely earn about $55,000 in their first year—slightly below the state median but well within the competitive range for associate-level technical work. What makes this particularly promising is the estimated debt load of roughly $12,000, substantially lower than the $29,000 median debt carried by graduates from similar California programs.

That debt advantage matters considerably in a field where first-year technicians are establishing themselves. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 means estimated debt represents just over two months of gross income, giving graduates breathing room that peers at pricier programs won't have. For technical careers that reward experience and certifications over credential prestige, starting with minimal debt can accelerate long-term wealth building even if initial earnings lag slightly behind top performers.

The caveat is real: these figures are derived from comparable programs nationally, not tracked outcomes from LA Trade Tech specifically. But the fundamental economics—modest debt for entry into steady technical work—align well with what electrical technicians actually face in the Los Angeles market. For families prioritizing affordable career preparation over brand names, this appears to be exactly what a community college technical program should deliver.

Where Los Angeles Trade Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in California (7 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Los Angeles Trade Technical CollegeLos Angeles	$1,238	$54,852*	—	$12,063*	—
DeVry University-CaliforniaOntario	$17,488	$58,056*	$52,465	$28,782*	0.50
National Median	—	$54,852*	—	$14,710*	0.27

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

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

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:

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

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

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.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:

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 Trade Technical College, approximately 31% 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 49 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.