Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degree) at Western Iowa Tech Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$60,210

Est. from IA median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$12,063

Est. from national median (24 programs)

Analysis

An estimated $12,000 in debt against first-year earnings around $60,000 would make this electrical engineering technology program look like a relatively safe bet—but keep in mind these figures come from peer programs across Iowa and nationally, not actual graduates from Western Iowa Tech's specific program. Among Iowa's comparable programs where data exists, first-year earnings span from about $52,000 to nearly $69,000, suggesting that institutional differences, local job markets, and curriculum emphasis can significantly impact outcomes.

The debt estimate comes from similar associate-level programs nationwide and sits meaningfully below Iowa's own median of $18,000 for this field. Combined with earnings that match the state median, the financial fundamentals appear sound: a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 means graduates in comparable programs typically owe about two months of their first-year salary. That's manageable territory for a technical credential designed to lead directly to employment.

What you can't know from these estimates is how Western Iowa Tech's specific industry connections in the Sioux City area might affect job placement, or whether their curriculum aligns with the highest-paying sector opportunities that drive the $69,000 outcomes at the state's top performer. The field itself offers solid earning potential for an associate degree, but the 33% spread between Iowa programs with actual data shows that not all electrical engineering technology programs deliver equally. Press the school for concrete placement rates and employer partnerships before committing.

Where Western Iowa Tech Community College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (13 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Western Iowa Tech Community CollegeSioux City	$5,042	$60,210*	—	$12,063*	—
Indian Hills Community CollegeOttumwa	$4,872	$68,590*	$62,046	$10,669*	0.16
Kirkwood Community CollegeCedar Rapids	$5,980	$60,210*	—	—*	—
Orion Technical CollegeDavenport	$15,600	$51,641*	$51,109	$25,351*	0.49
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 Western Iowa Tech Community College, approximately 25% 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 IA. Actual outcomes may vary.