Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at San Jacinto Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,804

Est. from national median (14 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$9,399

Est. from national median (8 programs)

Analysis

Texas electrical technology programs typically launch graduates into significantly stronger earnings than what peer programs nationally suggest for San Jacinto's certificate. While similar programs across the country average around $38,800 in first-year earnings, Texas programs report a median of nearly $60,000—a difference of more than $20,000 annually. Dallas College, for instance, reports graduates earning that higher figure right out of the gate. Whether San Jacinto's actual outcomes match that Texas advantage or fall closer to the national average matters enormously for return on investment.

The estimated debt load of $9,400 is manageable if earnings approach the Texas norm, but becomes more burdensome at the lower national figure. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 assumes those national-level earnings—reasonable on its face, but potentially missing the reality that Texas's robust energy and manufacturing sectors often pay electrical technicians premium wages. If San Jacinto's graduates capture even half that Texas earnings premium, they'd be looking at debt representing just three months of income rather than nearly four.

The critical question is whether San Jacinto's program connects students to Texas's higher-paying electrical technology jobs or whether location, curriculum, or employer networks leave graduates closer to national outcomes. Before committing, ask the school directly about graduate placement rates with local refineries, utilities, and industrial facilities—and what percentage of completers actually stay in Texas to work.

Where San Jacinto Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (21 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
San Jacinto Community CollegePasadena	$1,992	$38,804*	—	$9,399*	—
Dallas CollegeDallas	$2,370	$59,679*	—	$12,269*	0.21
National Median	—	$38,804*	—	$11,976*	0.31

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

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:

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

$65,040/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:

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 Jacinto Community College, approximately 30% 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 national median of 14 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.