Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Monroe County Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$43,602

Est. from national median (13 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$10,263

Est. from national median (8 programs)

Analysis

Michigan's industrial production programs typically deliver strong outcomes—Grand Rapids Community College graduates earn over $70,000 in their first year—but Monroe County's estimated figures tell a different story. Similar certificate programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $43,600, which falls well below what other Michigan programs produce. That's a significant gap in a state where manufacturing and production roles often command premium wages.

The relatively modest estimated debt of $10,263 keeps the burden manageable, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 that's reasonable by community college standards. However, that calculation is based on the lower national earnings estimate, not Michigan's stronger market reality. If Monroe County's actual graduates perform closer to state norms, this would be an excellent value. If they track closer to the national median, students might be better served by nearby programs with documented higher earnings.

The core issue here is uncertainty. Without actual graduate data, you're weighing a low-debt program against unknown employment outcomes in a state where this credential can pay off handsomely—or not. Before committing, contact Monroe County directly about job placement rates and typical employer partners. If they can't provide concrete evidence their graduates compete with other Michigan programs, the $27,000 earnings gap seen at comparable schools becomes a serious financial risk.

Where Monroe County Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all industrial production technologies/technicians certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (21 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Monroe County Community CollegeMonroe	$4,566	$43,602*	—	$10,263*	—
Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids	$4,059	$70,622*	—	$11,500*	0.16
National Median	—	$43,602*	—	$10,244*	0.23

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with industrial production 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

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.

$64,790/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.

$64,790/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Semiconductor Processing Technicians

Perform any or all of the following functions in the manufacture of electronic semiconductors: load semiconductor material into furnace; saw formed ingots into segments; load individual segment into crystal growing chamber and monitor controls; locate crystal axis in ingot using x-ray equipment and saw ingots into wafers; and clean, polish, and load wafers into series of special purpose furnaces, chemical baths, and equipment used to form circuitry and change conductive properties.

$51,180/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

$51,000/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

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.

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 Monroe County Community College, approximately 25% 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 13 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.