Heavy Equipment Technology at Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, WI · Public · Certificate · Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies

with a smaller student body of 4,127 in Eau Claire, WI.

Program Analysis

At $49,667/yr, Heavy Equipment Technology graduates from Chippewa Valley Technical College land near the $51,528 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 144.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 25% 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.

The median debt load of $11,843 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Chippewa Valley Technical College ranks #13 among 80 Heavy Equipment Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 33% earnings increase from $49,667 to $65,863 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.

72 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
69
Low End
72
Score
72
High End
Earnings $49,667/yr (-4% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (80,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$696K
7.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
147.4x
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)
$4,724
Out-of-state: $6,917
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,843
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,863
33% 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

What can you do with a Heavy Equipment Technology credential from Chippewa Valley Technical College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Heavy Equipment Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Heavy Equipment Technology Overview

Heavy Equipment Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Chippewa Valley Technical College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Chippewa Valley Technical College's Heavy Equipment Technology program score?
This program scores 72/100 — 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.
Is Heavy Equipment Technology from Chippewa Valley Technical College a future-proof career choice?
For Chippewa Valley Technical College graduates, AI risk is minimal. Heavy Equipment Technology rated "AI-Proof" — 89% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
How affordable is Heavy Equipment Technology at Chippewa Valley Technical College?
At $11,843 in median debt, Heavy Equipment Technology graduates from Chippewa Valley Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Is Chippewa Valley Technical College one of the best schools for Heavy Equipment Technology?
Ranked #13 of 80 programs nationally, Chippewa Valley Technical College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Are there apprenticeship options for Heavy Equipment Technology?
If Chippewa Valley Technical 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.
Is there demand for Heavy Equipment Technology workers?
Job availability for Heavy Equipment Technology is strong — 80,400 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Chippewa Valley Technical College graduates specifically, local market conditions in WI may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →