Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degree) at Wharton County Junior College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$58,557

Est. from TX median (4 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$12,063

Est. from national median (24 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable electrical engineering technology programs in Texas, graduates here would likely start around $58,557—a figure that aligns with the state median and sits comfortably above the national benchmark of $54,852. The estimated debt load of roughly $12,000 creates a favorable 0.21 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe about 20 cents for every dollar earned in year one. For context, this debt estimate comes from similar community college programs nationally and is notably lower than Texas's typical $20,666 median for this field.

The numbers suggest a practical path into industrial or commercial electrical work without the financial burden of a four-year degree. Similar programs across Texas produce first-year earnings ranging from about $51,600 to $63,900, placing this estimate in the middle-to-upper tier. The low debt figure matters especially for students who may need to start earning immediately—carrying manageable loan payments while building technical experience.

The key limitation: these are projections based on peer programs, not tracked outcomes from Wharton County Junior College's own graduates. The actual results could vary based on local employment conditions in the Wharton area versus Houston or Dallas-Fort Worth, where many comparable programs operate. Still, the underlying economics of associate's degrees in electrical technology tend to be consistent—modest debt, solid technical skills, and steady demand from industries needing certified technicians.

Where Wharton County Junior College Stands

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

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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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Wharton County Junior CollegeWharton	$2,916	$58,557*	—	$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 Wharton County Junior College, approximately 27% 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.