Electromechanical Technology at Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA · Public · Associate Degree · Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians

enrolling 7,438 students in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Program Analysis

Kirkwood Community College's Electromechanical Technology program produces graduates earning $50,387/yr — within striking distance of the $56,358 national average for this trade.

With a 64.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 34% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Electromechanical Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $15,983 in median debt clears fast against $50,387 in annual earnings.

A #45 ranking among 77 Electromechanical Technology programs places Kirkwood Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 47% earnings increase from $50,387 to $73,881 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 32 apprenticeship pathways connected to Electromechanical Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

60 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
54
Low End
60
Score
62
High End
Earnings $50,387/yr (-11% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (66% shielded)
Job Market Medium (26,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$805K
10.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
67.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
7 of 7
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
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,983
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,881
47% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Electromechanical Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390 +1.5% 76%
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians $77,180 +0.6% 59%
Electrical and electronics drafters $73,720 -5.6% 43%
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
$77,390
+1.5% growth 76% AI-proof
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians
$77,180
+0.6% growth 59% AI-proof
Electrical and electronics drafters
$73,720
-5.6% growth 43% AI-proof

View all 7 career paths with full salary data →

Electromechanical Technology Career Guide

What can you do with a Electromechanical Technology credential from Kirkwood Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Electromechanical Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Electromechanical Technology Overview

Electromechanical Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Kirkwood Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Kirkwood Community College's Electromechanical Technology program score?
At 60/100, the score looks reasonable — but Electromechanical Technology is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Electromechanical Technology graduates?
There are 32 registered apprenticeships connected to Electromechanical Technology occupations, such as Additive 3D Printing Technician and Assembler, Electromechanical. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
What's the AI uncertainty for Electromechanical Technology careers?
Our model shows a 34% gap between best and worst-case decade earnings. AI is unlikely to eliminate Electromechanical Technology careers, but it could reduce positions in some specializations.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →