Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Orange Technical College-South Campus

Orange Technical College's electrical program lands in the middle of Florida's competitive technical training landscape, with first-year earnings of $35,198 placing it above the state median but well behind top performers like Hillsborough Community College's $54,584. With an estimated debt load around $7,416—based on typical borrowing patterns at similar technical colleges—graduates face manageable payments that represent just 21% of first-year earnings, significantly better than the national average for this credential.

The 23% earnings growth to $43,376 by year four suggests steady career progression in Florida's construction and utilities sectors, though starting salaries remain modest for Orlando's cost of living. What's harder to assess is why this program underperforms the national median ($38,716) while exceeding Florida's state average, particularly given that several in-state technical colleges consistently produce graduates earning $10,000-$20,000 more annually. The small graduate cohort that triggered data suppression may indicate limited enrollment or placement, factors worth investigating directly with the college.

For families weighing options, the low estimated debt makes this program financially low-risk, but the earnings gap compared to peer Florida schools suggests it may not maximize return on time invested. Before committing, ask the college for actual placement rates and starting wages for recent graduates—information that should be readily available even when federal data is suppressed.