Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies (Associate's Degree) at North Central Missouri College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$55,532

Est. from national median (29 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$11,875

Est. from national median (12 programs)

Analysis

Similar programs across Missouri suggest a starting salary around $54,000-$55,000 for heavy equipment maintenance graduates, with debt loads typically landing near $12,000. North Central Missouri College's estimated figures align with these state benchmarks, pointing to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21—meaning graduates would owe roughly two months of their first year's income. That's a manageable burden for a technical field where skilled technicians remain in steady demand.

What works in this program's favor is the sector itself. Heavy equipment maintenance is hands-on work that can't be outsourced, and Missouri's agricultural and construction industries need qualified techs. Comparable programs at State Technical College and Ranken Technical College report similar outcomes, with graduates earning between $52,000-$55,000. The limited debt keeps monthly payments reasonable while new technicians build experience.

The caveat here is that these figures come from peer programs nationally, not North Central Missouri College's actual graduate outcomes. Small cohort sizes mean we can't track this specific program's results. For a focused technical credential where the skill set directly translates to employment, the estimated economics look sound—but connect with employers in your area to confirm that the training matches what local shops and contractors actually need.

Where North Central Missouri College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (9 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
North Central Missouri CollegeTrenton	$4,950	$55,532*	—	$11,875*	—
State Technical College of MissouriLinn	$7,830	$55,282*	$58,026	$12,000*	0.22
Ranken Technical CollegeSaint Louis	$17,490	$52,300*	$52,211	$12,000*	0.23
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 North Central Missouri College, approximately 34% 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.