Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Mott Community College

Michigan's electrical installation programs suggest first-year earnings around $39,000, which aligns closely with the national median for this credential. With estimated debt at $6,500, this creates one of the more manageable debt-to-earnings ratios you'll encounter in skilled trades—roughly 17 cents of debt per dollar earned in that first year. That's significantly better than the $9,500 national median debt for similar programs.

The picture becomes more interesting when you look at Michigan's range. While Mott's peer programs cluster around that $39,000 mark, Northern Michigan University's electrical program shows graduates earning $53,000—nearly 36% more. That gap raises questions about curriculum differences, industry connections, or regional employment patterns that could matter for career trajectory. The skilled trades often reward specific certifications and apprenticeship pathways that vary by program.

Here's what matters: electrical installation work offers steady employment in Michigan's manufacturing and construction sectors, and the modest debt burden based on comparable programs means your graduate isn't starting behind. But the $14,000 earnings difference between Michigan programs suggests that where and how you train matters substantially in this field. Before committing, verify what certifications this specific program delivers and whether it connects students to apprenticeships or union pathways—those details often explain the earnings variation more than the degree itself.