Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degree) at South Puget Sound Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$56,704

Est. from national median (34 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$12,000

Est. from national median (21 programs)

Analysis

Washington's industrial production programs tell a very different story than what's suggested by these national-level estimates. Olympic College, the only Washington school with reported data, posts first-year earnings of $86,309—more than $29,000 higher than the national median South Puget Sound's figures are based on. The state's industrial sector, anchored by Boeing and aerospace manufacturing, creates opportunities that programs in other states simply can't match. If South Puget Sound's graduates follow the same pattern as its peers in Washington, the estimated $12,000 in debt would be exceptionally manageable.

The gap between state and national figures here isn't just noise—it reflects fundamental differences in labor markets. Washington industrial technician programs command a premium because they feed directly into advanced manufacturing roles that pay well from day one. While we can't confirm South Puget Sound's specific outcomes without reported data, comparable programs in the state suggest earnings that would make this debt load trivial.

The smartest move is contacting South Puget Sound directly about their graduates' actual placement rates and starting salaries with local employers. If their outcomes mirror other Washington programs, this represents solid preparation for a stable field. If they're tracking closer to the national pattern, you'd be better served at Olympic College where the data is transparent and the results are strong.

Where South Puget Sound Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all industrial production technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Washington

Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Washington (9 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
South Puget Sound Community CollegeOlympia	$5,103	$56,704*	—	$12,000*	—
Olympic CollegeBremerton	$4,197	$86,309*	$81,453	$6,875*	0.08
National Median	—	$56,704*	—	$13,500*	0.24

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with industrial production technologies/technicians graduates

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

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.

$64,790/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.

$64,790/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Semiconductor Processing Technicians

Perform any or all of the following functions in the manufacture of electronic semiconductors: load semiconductor material into furnace; saw formed ingots into segments; load individual segment into crystal growing chamber and monitor controls; locate crystal axis in ingot using x-ray equipment and saw ingots into wafers; and clean, polish, and load wafers into series of special purpose furnaces, chemical baths, and equipment used to form circuitry and change conductive properties.

$51,180/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

$51,000/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

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.

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 South Puget Sound Community College, approximately 23% 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 34 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.