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Communication Technologies

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Communication Technologies.

Entry Level Salary
$37,514
Median Salary
$75,302
Unemployment Rate
6.0%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
31.5%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $3,012,080
Entry (Early)
$37,514
Median (Prime)
$75,302
High (Prime)
$79,941

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-118k
+207k
+245k
$25k / yr
-208k
+117k
+155k
$50k / yr
-298k
+27k
+65k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
28
27
$25k / yr
Never
36
34
$50k / yr
Never
53
45

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-191%
108%
143%
$50k / yr
-137%
13%
30%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate11.1%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.

Top Professions

Artists and related workers

5.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$42,874
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$79,316|$99,760
openings
20,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.2%

Graphic designers

4.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$45,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$64,311|$62,960
openings
16,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -1.7%

Management occupations

4.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$41,013
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$81,100|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Software developers

3.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$94,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$115,857|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Media and communication equipment workers

3.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$45,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$63,721|$59,200
openings
27,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.8%

Television, video, and film camera operators and editors

2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$43,946
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$59,000|$75,100
openings
5,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.6%

Producers and directors

2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$46,322
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$84,676|$90,360
openings
12,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4%

Art and design workers

2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$81,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$77,173|$58,240
openings
76,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.8%

Customer service representatives

2.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$32,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$50,000|$44,770
openings
289,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -5.3%

First-line supervisors of retail sales workers

1.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$36,436
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$39,473|$48,520
openings
113,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -3.7%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
audiovisual communications technologies/technicians.Undergrad Certificate99$13,156 - $42,499
audiovisual communications technologies/technicians.Associate's Degree136$16,707 - $48,625
audiovisual communications technologies/technicians.Bachelor's Degree40$19,245 - $75,461
audiovisual communications technologies/technicians.Post-bacc Certificate2Data N/A
audiovisual communications technologies/technicians.Master's Degree8$56,591 - $79,258
communications technologies/technicians and support services, other.Undergrad Certificate2Data N/A
communications technologies/technicians and support services, other.Associate's Degree7Data N/A
communications technologies/technicians and support services, other.Bachelor's Degree4$35,485 - $59,555
construction management.Undergrad Certificate13Data N/A
construction management.Associate's Degree38$47,826 - $99,375
construction management.Bachelor's Degree64$66,757 - $119,067
construction management.Post-bacc Certificate1$103,041 - $103,041
construction management.Master's Degree20$99,373 - $121,599
graphic communications.Undergrad Certificate109$21,631 - $44,445
graphic communications.Associate's Degree145$23,713 - $50,857
graphic communications.Bachelor's Degree98$20,680 - $92,786
graphic communications.Master's Degree13$51,962 - $98,988
graphic communications.Graduate Certificate1$95,540 - $95,540