Mining & Petroleum Technology at Houston Community College

Houston, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians

with 37,970 students enrolled in Houston, TX.

Program Analysis

At $47,146 per year, Mining & Petroleum Technology graduates from Houston Community College earn below the $58,980 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 130.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mining & Petroleum Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

The median debt load of $19,625 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Mining & Petroleum Technology is offered at just 6 schools in our analysis. Houston Community College's #3 ranking should be read in that context.

The 9 apprenticeship pathways connected to Mining & Petroleum Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

64 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
62
Low End
64
Score
65
High End
Earnings $47,146/yr (-20% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (80% shielded)
Job Market Medium (12,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$47K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
132.5x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,080
Out-of-state: $10,920
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,625
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,842
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Mining & Petroleum Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Gas plant operators $83,400 -8.8% 91%
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390 +1.5% 76%
Service unit operators, oil and gas $57,980 +0.4% 94%
Gas plant operators
$83,400
-8.8% growth 91% AI-proof
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
$77,390
+1.5% growth 76% AI-proof
Service unit operators, oil and gas
$57,980
+0.4% growth 94% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

Mining & Petroleum Technology Career Guide

Explore what Mining & Petroleum Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 6 programs nationwide.

Read the full Mining & Petroleum Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Mining & Petroleum Technology Overview

Mining & Petroleum Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Houston Community 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

What does a 64/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Mining & Petroleum Technology at Houston Community College?
A score of 64/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Mining & Petroleum Technology field.
Why are Mining & Petroleum Technology earnings lower at Houston Community College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Are there apprenticeship options for Mining & Petroleum Technology?
Yes — 9 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Mining & Petroleum Technology career paths, including Additive 3D Printing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Houston Community College.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →