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Electrical, Mechanical, and Precision Technologies and Production

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Electrical, Mechanical, and Precision Technologies and Production.

Entry Level Salary
$42,874
Median Salary
$82,350
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
65.6%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $3,294,000
Entry (Early)
$42,874
Median (Prime)
$82,350
High (Prime)
$81,100

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
-69k
+264k
+254k
$25k / yr
-159k
+174k
+164k
$50k / yr
-249k
+84k
+74k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
27
27
$25k / yr
Never
33
33
$50k / yr
Never
43
44

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-146%
160%
151%
$50k / yr
-115%
39%
34%
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 Rate16.4%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.

Top Professions

Automotive service technicians and mechanics

5.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$64,851
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$63,239|$50,620
openings
66,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5%

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians

4.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$77,203
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$77,203|$79,870
openings
11,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.4%

Welding, soldering, and brazing workers

4.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,550
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$60,000|$52,760
openings
42,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.6%

Management occupations

3.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$23,171
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$110,000|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Software developers

2.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$104,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$160,000|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Maintenance and repair workers, general

2.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$37,514
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$37,514|$49,590
openings
148,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.2%

Driver/sales workers and truck drivers

2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$166,759
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,873|$50,390
openings
367,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5%

First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers

2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$102,938
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,000|$87,520
openings
21,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.5%

Electricians

1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$42,874
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$46,343|$63,190
openings
72,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.2%

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$21,437
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$21,437|$63,800
openings
42,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.8%

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
heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr).Undergrad Certificate499$23,602 - $83,230
heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr).Associate's Degree192$32,045 - $87,786
mechanic and repair technologies/technicians, other.Undergrad Certificate16$22,127 - $77,124
mechanic and repair technologies/technicians, other.Associate's Degree26$43,129 - $72,046
mechanics and repairers, general.Undergrad Certificate2$38,032 - $38,032
mechanics and repairers, general.Associate's Degree10$49,531 - $66,300
precision metal working.Undergrad Certificate799$16,334 - $87,864
precision metal working.Associate's Degree385$30,912 - $86,941
precision production trades, general.Undergrad Certificate2Data N/A
precision production, other.Undergrad Certificate4$28,486 - $28,486
precision production, other.Associate's Degree10$43,984 - $43,984