Est. Earnings (1yr)
$49,667
Est. from WI median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$11,000
Est. from WI median (3 programs)

Analysis

Comparable equipment maintenance programs in Wisconsin suggest around $49,667 in first-year earnings against roughly $11,000 in debt—a ratio that works in graduates' favor. While Waukesha County Technical College doesn't report its own outcomes due to small graduate cohorts, these state-level figures indicate students could expect to owe about 22% of their first year's salary, manageable territory for a technical credential designed to get you working quickly.

The estimates align closely with the national median for this field ($50,524), suggesting Wisconsin's heavy equipment training programs deliver competitive preparation. What matters most here is the speed to positive cash flow: unlike four-year programs that pile on debt while delaying earnings, certificate holders can start paying down a relatively modest loan balance immediately. Other Wisconsin technical colleges with reported data show a range—Northwood's graduates earn notably more at $55,793, while Western's come in lower at $46,591—reminding us that instructor quality, employer connections, and local demand vary even within the same state system.

The caveat: these are peer program benchmarks, not Waukesha County's actual track record. If you're considering enrollment, ask the school directly about job placement rates and which employers hire their graduates. The debt-to-earnings fundamentals look solid for technical training, but you'll want confirmation that this particular program delivers the hands-on training and industry connections that separate effective certificate programs from expensive detours.

Where Waukesha County Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (16 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Waukesha County Technical CollegePewaukee$4,720$49,667*$11,000*
Northwood Technical CollegeRice Lake$4,524$55,793*$11,000*0.20
Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeEau Claire$4,724$49,667*$57,793$12,000*0.24
Western Technical CollegeLa Crosse$4,716$46,591*$57,781$9,166*0.20
National Median$50,524*$9,500*0.19
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with heavy/industrial equipment maintenance technologies graduates

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers

Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.

$106,580/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.

$63,510/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.

$63,510/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Millwrights

Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.

$63,510/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.

$62,740/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Rail Car Repairers

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.

$62,740/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Wind Turbine Service Technicians

Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.

$62,580/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door

Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons

Build or repair equipment such as furnaces, kilns, cupolas, boilers, converters, ladles, soaking pits, and ovens, using refractory materials.

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 Waukesha County Technical College, approximately 11% 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 3 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.