Plumbing at Orleans Technical College

Orleans Technical College's plumbing program produces graduates earning just above Pennsylvania's median—landing in the 60th percentile among the state's dozen plumbing programs. With first-year earnings of $35,730 and debt under $8,000, graduates face a manageable debt load at just 21% of their initial income. That's actually better than the typical plumbing program nationally, where median debt reaches $9,500. The school serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (49%), suggesting it provides accessible skilled trade training in Philadelphia.

The flat earnings trajectory—essentially no growth between years one and four—is worth noting, though this pattern isn't unusual for trades where workers establish their earning power quickly. What matters more here is the modest debt burden relative to consistent $35,000+ earnings. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with different cohorts.

For parents considering this program: the combination of below-average debt and middle-of-the-pack earnings creates a low-risk entry into the plumbing trade. Your child won't graduate burdened by loans, and the starting salary puts them ahead of many certificate holders. Just understand that Philadelphia plumbing wages appear to plateau rather than climb dramatically with experience.