Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Pennco Tech-Blackwood

Pennco Tech's electrical program sits in an interesting spot: it underperforms the national average by about $5,300 annually, yet ranks in the 60th percentile among New Jersey programs. That's because electrical training in New Jersey generally pays less than in other states—the statewide median is $31,480 compared to $38,716 nationally. Within this context, Pennco Tech actually performs slightly above the state norm.

The debt burden here is manageable at $9,500, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28—your child would owe less than three months of their first-year salary. The more concerning issue is the absolute earnings level: starting at $33,390 and reaching only $36,888 after four years. While the 11% growth is positive, these wages remain modest even for a certificate program. Nearly 60% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves working-class students who may have limited alternatives.

For a family considering this investment, the math works if your child needs credentials quickly and plans to stay in New Jersey, where this school competes reasonably well. But if they're mobile or willing to pursue training elsewhere, programs in other states offer substantially higher returns. The relatively low debt makes this a contained risk, not a financial disaster, but the earnings ceiling is real.