Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies at Macomb Community College
Associate's Degree
macomb.eduAnalysis
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 $55,500โwell 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,600 | $55,532* | โ | $11,875* | โ | |
| $13,630 | $55,532* | $70,557 | $13,000* | 0.23 | |
| $17,252 | $45,563* | $52,661 | $19,685* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | โ | $55,532* | โ | $12,000* | 0.22 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies graduates
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Millwrights
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Rail Car Repairers
Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
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.