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Agricultural Mechanization at Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA · Public · Associate Degree

with a mid-sized student body of 7,438 in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $54,829/yr, edging above the $51,339 national average for Agricultural Mechanization — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

With a 52.2x 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 Agricultural Mechanization career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #8 ranking among 12 Agricultural Mechanization programs places Kirkwood Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $54,829 to $61,665 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 13 apprenticeship pathways connected to Agricultural Mechanization reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

61 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
61
Score
62
High End
Earnings $54,829/yr (7% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (78% shielded)
Job Market Large (51,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$628K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
52.5x
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)
$11,960
Out-of-state: $15,936
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,665
12% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Agricultural Mechanization graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350 +4.1% 50%
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians $78,680 +4.0% 87%
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines $63,980 +5.8% 90%
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary
$86,350
+4.1% growth 50% AI-proof
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
$78,680
+4.0% growth 87% AI-proof
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
$63,980
+5.8% growth 90% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Agricultural Mechanization Career Guide

Explore what Agricultural Mechanization graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 12 programs nationwide.

Read the full Agricultural Mechanization career guide →

Compare & Explore

Agricultural Mechanization Overview

View all 12 schools offering Agricultural Mechanization →

Agricultural Mechanization at Other Schools

North Dakota State College of Science ($62,531) Northeast Iowa Community College ($56,331) Fort Scott Community College ($56,322) Mitchell Technical College ($55,301) Lake Land College ($53,448) Owens Community College ($53,350) Northwest Mississippi Community College ($49,040) Southwest Wisconsin Technical College ($44,467)

Other Majors at Kirkwood Community College

Nursing ($64,461) Electrical Engineering Technology ($60,210) Allied Health Professions ($52,364) Electromechanical Technology ($50,387) Precision Metalworking ($48,114) Vehicle Repair Technology ($44,896) Agricultural Production Operations ($42,392) IT Management ($41,575)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Agricultural Mechanization 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 Agricultural Mechanization at Kirkwood Community College?
A score of 61/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Kirkwood Community College trails the majority of Agricultural Mechanization programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
Can I learn Agricultural Mechanization through an apprenticeship instead of Kirkwood Community College?
Beyond Kirkwood Community College's classroom route, 13 registered apprenticeships map to Agricultural Mechanization careers — including Aerospace Propulsion Jet Engine Mech (Military Only). Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Will Agricultural Mechanization graduates from Kirkwood Community College find jobs?
The large job market (51,600 annual openings) works in favor of Agricultural Mechanization graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →