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Engineering Technologies

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Engineering Technologies.

Entry Level Salary
$45,017
Median Salary
$101,825
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
29.7%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $4,073,000
Entry (Early)
$45,017
Median (Prime)
$101,825
High (Prime)
$98,478

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
-50k
+422k
+395k
$25k / yr
-140k
+332k
+305k
$50k / yr
-230k
+242k
+215k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
25
25
$25k / yr
Never
29
29
$50k / yr
Never
33
34

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-128%
305%
280%
$50k / yr
-106%
111%
99%
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 Rate25.2%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.

Top Professions

Software developers

7.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$92,685
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$123,525|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Management occupations

4.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$104,271
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$135,000|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Computer occupations, all other

3.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$48,233
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$85,000|$116,580
openings
27,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.1%

Engineers, All Other

3.4% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$61,763
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,879|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Computer and information systems managers

2.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$11,529
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$144,113|$175,140
openings
53,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%

Computer support specialists

2.3% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$29,700
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$69,000|$62,890
openings
48,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2.7%

Industrial engineers, including health and safety

2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$77,731
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$94,735|$102,670
openings
24,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +12%

Construction managers

2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$56,808
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,873|$114,990
openings
49,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.1%

Mechanical engineers

1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$50,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$94,322|$104,110
openings
17,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +11.2%

Customer service representatives

1.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$14,575
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$33,227|$44,770
openings
289,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -5.3%

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
drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians.Undergrad Certificate281$31,238 - $69,705
drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians.Associate's Degree309$44,422 - $72,530
drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians.Bachelor's Degree14$58,862 - $84,622
drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians.Master's Degree4$71,613 - $71,613