Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degree) at Yakima Valley College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$54,852

Est. from national median (49 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$12,063

Est. from national median (24 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 tells the essential story here: peer programs nationally suggest students borrow roughly $12,000 to earn around $55,000 in their first year—debt that could reasonably be paid off in a few years on an electrical technician's salary. While these figures come from similar associate programs nationally rather than Yakima Valley's specific outcomes, they align with what electrical engineering technology typically delivers as a hands-on, in-demand technical credential.

What makes this estimate more reliable is that it draws from nearly 50 programs nationwide producing similar graduates. Electrical technicians work in manufacturing, utilities, and construction—sectors where Washington state jobs often pay above national averages due to the region's aerospace and tech infrastructure. The estimated debt figure also comes in below the national median for this program type, suggesting Yakima Valley's community college pricing provides some cost advantage over comparable programs elsewhere.

For parents evaluating this path, the key question is whether your student wants technical work rather than engineering design. This associate degree leads to hands-on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting roles—not the bachelor's-level electrical engineering positions. If that practical career direction fits, the estimated debt burden appears manageable against typical first-year earnings. Just recognize you're making this decision with broad industry patterns rather than this specific program's track record.

Where Yakima Valley College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Yakima Valley CollegeYakima	$5,163	$54,852*	—	$12,063*	—
Stark State CollegeNorth Canton	$4,670	$109,198*	—	$11,083*	0.10
Bismarck State CollegeBismarck	$5,195	$89,460*	$97,691	$14,236*	0.16
Jefferson Community and Technical CollegeLouisville	$4,706	$71,070*	—	—*	—
Greenville Technical CollegeGreenville	$5,639	$69,797*	—	—*	—
Indian Hills Community CollegeOttumwa	$4,872	$68,590*	$62,046	$10,669*	0.16
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 Yakima Valley College, approximately 38% 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 national median of 49 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.