Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Montgomery Community College
Associate's Degree
montgomery.eduAnalysis
Montgomery's electrical installation program faces a significant gap when measured against what's possible in North Carolina. While national peer programs suggest first-year earnings around $45,000 with manageable debt near $12,000, the state median for this field sits at $57,000—and nearby Richmond Community College's graduates earn nearly $74,000. That's not a small difference; it's potentially thousands of dollars per year that could accelerate debt payoff and career advancement.
The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 looks reasonable on paper, and similar programs nationally carry comparable debt loads. But those numbers miss the crucial context: in North Carolina's robust electrical sector, comparable programs are producing substantially better outcomes. The question isn't whether this degree can lead to employment—it's whether Montgomery provides the connections, training quality, or geographic advantage that translate to higher earnings in your first years on the job.
Without actual graduate data from Montgomery, you're operating with limited visibility. The estimates suggest adequate outcomes, but neighboring programs demonstrate this field can deliver much more in North Carolina. Before committing, contact the program directly about job placement specifics and talk to recent graduates about where they landed. In a state where this credential clearly has strong earning potential, understanding why one program might underperform its peers matters significantly for your investment.
Where Montgomery Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers associates's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,538 | $44,727* | — | $12,000* | — | |
| $2,552 | $73,774* | $94,294 | $11,000* | 0.15 | |
| $2,571 | $40,495* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $44,727* | — | $12,748* | 0.29 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electricians
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Solar Energy Installation Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
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 Montgomery Community College, approximately 28% 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 51 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.