Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Waukesha County Technical College

A credential in electrical and power transmission installation comes with estimated debt of just $5,500—substantially lower than the $9,500 typical nationally for this field. The estimated first-year earnings of $47,038, drawn from comparable Wisconsin programs, sits right at the state median and above the national median of $38,716. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.12, graduates would be looking at manageable monthly payments even on entry-level wages.

The bigger question is where this specific program fits within Wisconsin's range. The state's top performer, Chippewa Valley Technical College, reports actual earnings of nearly $61,000, while Northeast Wisconsin Technical College's graduates start around $31,000. That $30,000 spread suggests outcomes depend heavily on factors like local labor markets, employer partnerships, and curriculum focus. Without actual data from Waukesha County Tech itself, it's difficult to know whether this program trends toward the stronger or weaker end of that spectrum.

The low estimated debt makes this a relatively low-risk investment compared to many certificate programs, but parents should dig into job placement rates and where graduates actually get hired. Talk to the program director about employer relationships in the Milwaukee metro area and whether graduates typically move into apprenticeships or direct employment. The financial fundamentals look sound based on peer programs, but confirming this program's specific track record matters when you're choosing among a dozen options in-state.