Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies at San Juan College

Is hands-on technical training worth the investment when you're working from estimates? For this diesel and heavy equipment program, peer data across the country suggests first-year earnings around $55,500—tracking with the national median for similar associate's degrees in this field. With estimated debt of roughly $11,900, graduates would owe about 21 cents for every dollar earned in that first year, a manageable ratio that typically allows for steady loan repayment while building a career in equipment maintenance and repair.

The four-year earnings figure of $59,671 is actual reported data for San Juan College graduates, offering a firmer data point. This modest growth from years one to four is typical in skilled trades where workers often reach earning potential relatively early, then advance through experience, certifications, or supervisory roles rather than dramatic salary jumps. New Mexico's mining, oil and gas, and agriculture sectors all depend on heavy equipment technicians, potentially providing local job stability that matters as much as the salary number itself.

The small graduate cohort that triggered data suppression means your child would be entering a specialized program rather than a mass-market one. While we can't see this specific program's track record, the debt-to-earnings picture from comparable programs suggests a viable path to middle-class earnings without crushing debt—assuming your child has the mechanical aptitude and interest in physical, problem-solving work that these careers demand.