Quality Control & Safety Technology at Ashland Community and Technical College

Ashland, KY · Public · Certificate · Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians

a compact campus enrolling 1,566 students in Ashland, KY.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $58,388 at Ashland Community and Technical College come in 14% above the national median of $51,188 for Quality Control & Safety Technology programs.

With a 131.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Quality Control & Safety Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $58,388 far exceeding the $11,056 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #1 of 11 programs, this Quality Control & Safety Technology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The 31 apprenticeship pathways connected to Quality Control & Safety Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

73 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
68
Low End
73
Score
74
High End
Earnings $58,388/yr (14% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Large (95,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$611K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
131.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
5 of 5
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,656
Out-of-state: $6,192
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,056
2.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Quality Control & Safety Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Occupational health and safety specialists $83,910 +12.5% 67%
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians $64,790 +1.7% 61%
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians $58,890 +1.2% 59%
Occupational health and safety specialists
$83,910
+12.5% growth 67% AI-proof
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians
$64,790
+1.7% growth 61% AI-proof
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians
$58,890
+1.2% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 5 career paths with full salary data →

Quality Control & Safety Technology Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Quality Control & Safety Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering engineering & technology.

Read the full Quality Control & Safety Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Quality Control & Safety Technology Overview

Quality Control & Safety Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ashland Community and Technical College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 73/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Quality Control & Safety Technology at Ashland Community and Technical College?
This program scores 73/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Quality Control & Safety Technology nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Will AI affect Quality Control & Safety Technology careers?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Ashland Community and Technical College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What's the typical debt for Quality Control & Safety Technology graduates from Ashland Community and Technical College?
At $11,056 in median debt, Quality Control & Safety Technology graduates from Ashland Community and Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Are there apprenticeship options for Quality Control & Safety Technology?
Yes — 31 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Quality Control & Safety Technology career paths, including Airplane Inspector. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Ashland Community and Technical College.
Is there demand for Quality Control & Safety Technology workers?
At 95,600 annual openings, Quality Control & Safety Technology has a large employment base. Ashland Community and Technical College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →