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

Analysis

Industrial equipment maintenance programs nationally produce solid technical careers, and the trajectory here suggests Metropolitan Community College follows that pattern. While small cohort sizes mean the college's specific outcomes aren't publicly reported, peer programs across the country show first-year earnings around $55,500—a respectable starting point for a two-year degree. What matters more is where graduates land four years out: the actual reported figure of nearly $75,000 indicates these skills command real market value as workers gain experience.

The estimated debt load of roughly $12,000 creates a manageable 0.21 ratio to first-year earnings, meaning graduates would need to commit about a fifth of their first year's salary to student loans—a comfortable position for a skilled trade. This financial picture aligns with what similar equipment maintenance programs deliver nationally, where the combination of moderate borrowing and steady earning potential makes the credential economically viable.

For parents weighing this path, the central question is whether their student has the mechanical aptitude and interest to stick with industrial work. The earnings growth from year one to year four is substantial, but it likely requires hands-on competence and willingness to work in shop environments. If your child fits that profile, this represents a practical investment with limited downside risk—the debt is containable even if earnings fall short of projections.

Where Metropolitan Community College Area Stands

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Metropolitan Community College Area$74,924
Bluegrass Community and Technical College$64,355$73,100+14%
Ferris State University$55,532$70,557+27%
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College$65,535$70,340+7%
Dakota County Technical College$67,618$69,147+2%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Metropolitan Community College AreaOmaha$3,285$55,532*$74,924$11,875*
Oklahoma State University Institute of TechnologyOkmulgee$5,774$68,422*$11,667*0.17
Dakota County Technical CollegeRosemount$6,419$67,618*$69,147$12,000*0.18
Gateway Community and Technical CollegeFlorence$4,656$66,827*$12,000*0.18
Elizabethtown Community and Technical CollegeElizabethtown$4,656$65,535*$70,340$10,838*0.17
Bluegrass Community and Technical CollegeLexington$4,706$64,355*$73,100$10,250*0.16
National Median$55,532*$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 Metropolitan Community College Area, approximately 20% 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.