Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Penn Commercial Business/Technical School

Penn Commercial's electrical program graduates earn roughly $8,000 below the Pennsylvania median and rank in just the 25th percentile statewide—meaning three-quarters of comparable programs in the state produce better outcomes. That first-year salary of $30,941 is particularly concerning for a trade where many entry-level positions elsewhere start closer to $40,000. The strong 36% earnings growth to year four helps close the gap, but even at $42,026, graduates still trail what peers from other Pennsylvania schools typically earn right out of the gate.

The program does keep debt remarkably low at $7,912, resulting in a manageable debt-to-income ratio. For families focused purely on minimizing upfront costs, that's meaningful. However, the earnings shortfall compounds over time—that $8,000 annual gap versus the state median could mean $40,000+ in lost income over five years, far outweighing the debt savings.

Important caveat: these figures come from a small graduating class, so they may not reflect typical outcomes. Still, when Community College of Allegheny County's program produces graduates earning $151,803 and even mid-tier Pennsylvania options consistently hit $38-39,000, this program's placement raises questions about industry connections or training quality. If your child is set on electrical work in Pennsylvania, exploring programs with stronger track records—particularly community colleges with established apprenticeship pipelines—would be worth the effort.