Engineering Technology at Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga, TN · Public · Associate Degree · Engineering Technology, General

with a smaller student body of 4,689 in Chattanooga, TN.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $52,531 track close to the $51,680 national median for Engineering Technology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 79.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 27% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Engineering Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $12,000 in median debt against $52,531 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Engineering Technology is offered at just 9 schools in our analysis. Chattanooga State Community College's #2 ranking should be read in that context.

A 34% earnings increase from $52,531 to $70,616 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

64 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
57
Low End
64
Score
66
High End
Earnings $52,531/yr (2% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (60% shielded)
Job Market Medium (28,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$749K
7.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
82.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
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)
$9,100
Out-of-state: $35,500
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
2.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,616
34% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Engineering Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians $79,830 +8.1% 68%
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390 +1.5% 76%
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians $77,180 +0.6% 59%
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
$79,830
+8.1% growth 68% AI-proof
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
$77,390
+1.5% growth 76% AI-proof
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians
$77,180
+0.6% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Engineering Technology Career Guide

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

Read the full Engineering Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Engineering Technology Overview

Engineering Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Chattanooga State Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 64/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Engineering Technology at Chattanooga State Community College?
This program scores 64/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Engineering Technology graduates.
Will AI affect Engineering Technology careers?
The 40% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Chattanooga State Community College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
How affordable is Engineering Technology at Chattanooga State Community College?
Median debt of just $12,000 against $52,531/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Why does Chattanooga State Community College rank so high for Engineering Technology?
The #2 ranking out of 9 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Engineering Technology program at Chattanooga State Community College?
Yes — 31 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Engineering Technology career paths, including Additive 3D Printing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Chattanooga State Community College.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →