Environmental Control Technologies at Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia

Columbia, MD · Private for-profit · Certificate · Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians

with a smaller student body of 1,075 in Columbia, MD.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $37,285/yr, roughly in line with the $38,197 national median for Environmental Control Technologies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 32% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Environmental Control Technologies career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $37,285 far exceeding the $11,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #29 ranking among 63 Environmental Control Technologies programs places Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 42% earnings increase from $37,285 to $53,055 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 30 apprenticeship pathways connected to Environmental Control Technologies reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
49
Score
51
High End
Earnings $37,285/yr (-2% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (68,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$572K
9.2% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$11,250
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,055
42% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Environmental Control Technologies graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390 +1.5% 76%
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers $59,810 +8.1% 89%
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians $58,890 +1.2% 59%
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
$77,390
+1.5% growth 76% AI-proof
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
$59,810
+8.1% growth 89% AI-proof
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians
$58,890
+1.2% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

About Environmental Control Technologies Careers

Your career in environmental control begins with essential, hands-on work. One day, you could be in a homeowner's basement, using wrenches and a multimeter to diagnose and repair a furnace. The next, you might be on a commercial rooftop installing a new air conditioning unit, connecting ductwork and refrigerant lines. Alternatively, you could find yourself at a municipal water treatment plant, operating complex machinery, monitoring control panels, and testing water samples to ensure community safety. These are the core, in-demand jobs where you'll build your foundation.

Read the full Environmental Control Technologies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Environmental Control Technologies Overview

Environmental Control Technologies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia's Environmental Control Technologies program score?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Environmental Control Technologies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Are there apprenticeship options for Environmental Control Technologies?
Yes — 30 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Environmental Control Technologies career paths, including Additive 3D Printing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
How could AI change the job market for Environmental Control Technologies graduates?
Our model shows a 32% gap between best and worst-case decade earnings. AI is unlikely to eliminate Environmental Control Technologies careers, but it could reduce positions in some specializations.
How many job openings are there for Environmental Control Technologies graduates?
With approximately 68,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Environmental Control Technologies offers a large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →