Est. Earnings (1yr)
$55,532
Est. from national median (29 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$11,875
Est. from national median (12 programs)

Analysis

Michigan's industrial sector drives strong demand for skilled equipment technicians, and similar programs across the state suggest Macomb's graduates should enter a favorable market. Based on comparable associate degree programs nationally, first-year earnings typically hit around $55,500โ€”well above Michigan's state median of $50,500 for this field. That estimated $11,875 in debt creates a manageable 0.21 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would need less than three months of gross pay to cover their educational investment.

The caveat: these figures come from peer programs because Macomb's cohort was too small for the Department of Education to report. What we can say is that equipment maintenance credentials have historically delivered solid returns in Michigan's manufacturing economy, and community college pricing keeps debt loads reasonable. Programs like this typically produce skilled workers who can advance quickly through certifications and experience.

For a student mechanically inclined and interested in hands-on industrial work, the estimated financial profile suggests a practical path. The low debt burden and immediate earning potential make this more attractive than many four-year options, though families should verify current job placement rates and industry partnerships directly with Macomb to ensure the program delivers on the promise that similar programs suggest.

Where Macomb Community College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Macomb Community CollegeWarren$3,600$55,532*โ€”$11,875*โ€”
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids$13,630$55,532*$70,557$13,000*0.23
Universal Technical Institute-CantonCanton$17,252$45,563*$52,661$19,685*0.43
National Medianโ€”$55,532*โ€”$12,000*0.22
* 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 Macomb Community College, approximately 33% 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 29 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.