Environmental Technology 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 Technology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 32% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Environmental Technology 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 Technology 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 Technology 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 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%
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 →

Environmental Technology Career Guide

Explore what Environmental Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 63 programs nationwide.

Read the full Environmental Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Environmental Technology Overview

Environmental Technology 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 Technology program score?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Environmental Technology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Environmental Technology program at Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia?
Yes — 30 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Environmental Technology career paths, including Additive 3D Printing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia.
How could AI change the job market for Environmental Technology graduates?
Our model shows a 32% gap between best and worst-case decade earnings. AI is unlikely to eliminate Environmental Technology careers, but it could reduce positions in some specializations.
Will Environmental Technology graduates from Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia find jobs?
The large job market (68,200 annual openings) works in favor of Environmental Technology graduates. The national outlook is driven by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →