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Heavy Equipment Technology at Gadsden State Community College

Gadsden, AL · Public · Associate Degree · Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies

with a smaller student body of 3,619 in Gadsden, AL.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $37,595/yr fall 27% below the $51,528 national median for Heavy Equipment Technology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 79.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI exposure is significant at 11% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

Ranked #36 out of 80 programs, Gadsden State Community College's Heavy Equipment Technology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $37,595 to $71,603 over five years (90% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

With 67 registered apprenticeships mapped to Heavy Equipment Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

61 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
56
Low End
61
Score
62
High End
Earnings $37,595/yr (-27% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (80,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$660K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
81.8x
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)
$8,064
Out-of-state: $14,160
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,603
90% 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

Explore what Heavy Equipment Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 80 programs nationwide.

Read the full Heavy Equipment Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Heavy Equipment Technology Overview

View all 80 schools offering Heavy Equipment Technology →

Heavy Equipment Technology at Other Schools

Warren County Career Center ($70,305) Ranken Technical College ($70,010) Gateway Community and Technical College ($69,378) Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology ($68,422) Dakota County Technical College ($67,618) Gateway Community and Technical College ($66,827) Montcalm Community College ($66,358) Bluegrass Community and Technical College ($65,743)

Other Majors at Gadsden State Community College

Nursing ($61,443) Allied Health Professions ($41,946) Precision Metalworking ($41,252) Electrical Engineering Technology ($37,302) Environmental Technology ($36,407) Allied Health Professions ($34,083) Vehicle Repair Technology ($31,387) Business Operations Support ($22,360)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Heavy Equipment Technology degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 61/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Heavy Equipment Technology at Gadsden State Community College?
A score of 61/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Heavy Equipment Technology field.
Is Heavy Equipment Technology from Gadsden State Community College a future-proof career choice?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Heavy Equipment Technology work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Gadsden State Community College's score of 61/100 reflects this durability.
Is Gadsden State Community College a good choice for Heavy Equipment Technology despite lower starting pay?
Lower starting pay at Gadsden State Community College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Heavy Equipment Technology graduates?
If Gadsden 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.
How many job openings are there for Heavy Equipment Technology graduates?
The large job market (80,400 annual openings) works in favor of Heavy Equipment Technology graduates. The national outlook is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →