Heavy Equipment Technology at Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga, TN · Public · Certificate · Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies

a smaller institution with 4,689 students in Chattanooga, TN.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $54,588 at Chattanooga State Community College come in 6% above the national median of $51,528 for Heavy Equipment Technology programs.

With a 151.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Heavy Equipment Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Chattanooga State Community College ranks #10 among 80 Heavy Equipment Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 23% earnings increase from $54,588 to $67,242 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 67 apprenticeship pathways connected to Heavy Equipment Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

73 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
71
Low End
73
Score
73
High End
Earnings $54,588/yr (6% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (80,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$698K
5.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
153.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
9 of 9
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)
$4,550
Out-of-state: $17,750
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,242
23% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Heavy Equipment Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers $106,580 +5.0% 82%
Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door $74,690 +1.3% 87%
Rail car repairers $65,680 +2.8% 90%
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
$106,580
+5.0% growth 82% AI-proof
Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
$74,690
+1.3% growth 87% AI-proof
Rail car repairers
$65,680
+2.8% growth 90% AI-proof

View all 9 career paths with full salary data →

Heavy Equipment Technology Career Guide

Heavy Equipment Technology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Heavy Equipment Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Heavy Equipment Technology Overview

Heavy Equipment Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Chattanooga State Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Heavy Equipment Technology at Chattanooga State Community College?
This program scores 73/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Heavy Equipment Technology nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
How AI-proof is a career in Heavy Equipment Technology?
Highly resilient. Heavy Equipment Technology careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Chattanooga State Community College graduates retain 9 of 9 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Why does Chattanooga State Community College rank so high for Heavy Equipment Technology?
Among 80 Heavy Equipment Technology programs, Chattanooga State Community College's #10 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Heavy Equipment Technology graduates?
If Chattanooga State Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 67 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Heavy Equipment Technology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Heavy Equipment Technology from Chattanooga State Community College?
At 80,400 annual openings, Heavy Equipment Technology has a large employment base. Chattanooga State Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →