Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at San Diego City College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
sdcity.eduAnalysis
San Diego City College's electrical program shows promising trajectory despite limited graduate data. While first-year earnings estimates based on similar California programs suggest around $41,500—roughly the state median—the real story emerges by year four, when actual reported earnings jump to $62,932. That's substantially higher than what most comparable programs deliver and suggests graduates gain significant earning power as they establish themselves in the field.
The estimated debt of $7,416 is notably lower than both the state median ($11,725) and national median ($9,500), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.18. Even if actual debt runs higher, this program appears structured to minimize financial burden while preparing students for skilled trades work in San Diego's robust construction and utility sectors. The four-year earnings figure provides real evidence that graduates progress well in their careers, not just estimates from peer schools.
For parents weighing this investment, the combination of low estimated debt and strong documented mid-career earnings is encouraging. The program appears to deliver on the core promise of technical training: affordable credentials that lead to genuine wage growth. Just understand that because graduate numbers are small, your child's experience could vary—but the fundamentals look solid for someone committed to electrical work.
Where San Diego City College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego City College | — | $62,932 | — |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College | $50,745 | $65,500 | +29% |
| Southern California Institute of Technology | $38,716 | $49,507 | +28% |
| National Career Education | $36,261 | $46,753 | +29% |
| Institute for Business and Technology | $36,261 | $46,753 | +29% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (50 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,150 | $41,499* | $62,932 | $7,416* | — | |
| $1,238 | $50,745* | $65,500 | —* | — | |
| — | $43,388* | — | $12,727* | 0.29 | |
| — | $43,388* | — | $12,727* | 0.29 | |
| — | $43,388* | — | $12,727* | 0.29 | |
| — | $43,388* | — | $12,727* | 0.29 | |
| National Median | — | $38,716* | — | $9,500* | 0.25 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electricians
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Solar Energy Installation Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
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 San Diego City College, approximately 22% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 18 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.