Est. Earnings (1yr)
$58,557
Est. from TX median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$12,063
Est. from national median (24 programs)

Analysis

Texas technical programs in electrical engineering typically produce strong workforce outcomes, and the estimates here suggest Texas State Technical College follows that pattern. Based on comparable programs statewide, first-year earnings around $58,500 would place graduates near the state median—competitive with larger community college districts and ahead of the national benchmark by roughly $3,700. The estimated debt load of about $12,000 represents just 0.21 times first-year earnings, considerably lighter than the national median debt of $14,700 for similar programs.

The four-year earnings data at $55,500 creates some uncertainty—if accurate, it would suggest wages dip or stall rather than grow, which runs counter to typical career trajectories for technicians with industry certifications. This could reflect graduates changing employers, relocating, or the data simply capturing a different cohort than the first-year estimate. What matters more for decision-making is that peer programs in Texas consistently deliver mid-to-upper-$50,000s in starting pay, a solid foundation for technical careers.

For families, the core question is whether this type of two-year technical credential opens doors that justify even modest debt. The ratio here suggests yes—graduates entering the field would need less than three months of gross income to cover their loans. With 45% of students receiving Pell grants, the college clearly serves working-class families looking for direct pathways to skilled trades. The electrical engineering technology field remains in demand across Texas's manufacturing and energy sectors, making this a practical choice for students ready to enter the workforce quickly.

Where Texas State Technical College Stands

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Texas State Technical College—$55,518—
Bismarck State College$89,460$97,691+9%
Victoria College$63,908$85,672+34%
DeVry University-Texas$58,056$52,465-10%
Austin Community College District$51,640$50,803-2%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (24 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Texas State Technical CollegeWaco$7,192$58,557*$55,518$12,063*—
Victoria CollegeVictoria$2,853$63,908*$85,672—*—
Dallas CollegeDallas$2,370$59,057*—$12,549*0.21
DeVry University-TexasIrving$17,488$58,056*$52,465$28,782*0.50
Austin Community College DistrictAustin$2,550$51,640*$50,803—*—
National Median—$54,852*—$14,710*0.27
* 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 Texas State Technical College, approximately 45% 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 4 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.