Electrical and Power Transmission Installers at Western Iowa Tech Community College

Starting at $35,556 puts Western Iowa Tech's electrical installation program well behind the pack—this is the lowest first-year outcome among Iowa's seven programs and trails the state median by $8,400. Northwest Iowa Community College's graduates earn more than twice as much in their first year, while even the state's middle-tier programs start around $44,000. The estimated debt of $7,416 is manageable, but when your entry earnings lag this far behind comparable Iowa programs, the low debt offers only partial consolation.

The 32% earnings growth to $46,870 by year four helps close the gap somewhat, though graduates still trail Iowa peers who started stronger and likely grew as well. Based on similar programs nationally, the debt burden here is lighter than typical, which matters for a credential that appears to produce below-average outcomes in its own market. The concerning piece isn't the debt—it's why this program's graduates start so much further behind other Iowa community colleges offering the same training.

For parents weighing this option, the question is whether location or other factors justify accepting significantly lower starting earnings than students would see at neighboring Iowa programs. The debt won't sink anyone, but Northwest Iowa CC's outcomes suggest this field can launch much stronger careers when the training connects graduates to better opportunities.