Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,569
46th percentile
60th percentile in Connecticut
Median Debt
$14,120
49% above national median

Analysis

Porter & Chester Institute's Bridgeport location offers one of the better electrical transmission programs in Connecticut, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide for earnings while keeping debt remarkably low. At $14,120 in median debt—well below the state median of $13,532 and just 5th percentile nationally—graduates aren't burdened with the heavy debt loads common in technical training.

The earnings trajectory tells a solid story: starting salaries of $37,569 grow to nearly $47,000 within four years, representing 25% growth that keeps pace with career advancement in the electrical trades. While initial earnings lag slightly behind the national median by about $1,100, Connecticut graduates actually out-earn their state peers by nearly $1,000, suggesting the program provides competitive preparation for the local job market.

For parents weighing this investment, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 means graduates can realistically manage their loan payments while building toward middle-class earnings. The electrical transmission field offers stable employment prospects, and this program's combination of reasonable debt and solid Connecticut market positioning makes it a practical choice for students seeking direct entry into the skilled trades.

Where Porter & Chester Institute Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Porter & Chester Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Porter & Chester Institute$37,569$46,926+25%
Lincoln Technical Institute-East Windsor$35,880$42,521+19%
Lincoln Technical Institute-New Britain$35,880$42,521+19%
Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton$35,880$42,521+19%
Porter & Chester Institute of Hamden$39,745$40,056+1%

Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut

Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Porter & Chester InstituteBridgeport$14,349$37,569$46,926$14,1200.38
Porter & Chester Institute of HamdenHamden$14,337$39,745$40,056$14,1200.36
Industrial Management Training InstituteWaterbury—$37,876$37,864$9,5000.25
Lincoln Technical Institute-East WindsorEast Windsor—$35,880$42,521$13,5320.38
Lincoln Technical Institute-New BritainNew Britain—$35,880$42,521$13,5320.38
Lincoln Technical Institute-SheltonShelton—$35,880$42,521$13,5320.38
National Median—$38,716—$9,5000.25

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

$92,560/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electricians

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

$62,350/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

Solar Energy Installation Managers

Direct work crews installing residential or commercial solar photovoltaic or thermal systems.

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

Signal and Track Switch Repairers

Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.

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 Porter & Chester Institute, approximately 47% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 441 graduates with reported earnings and 451 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.