Agricultural Production Operations at Mitchell Technical College
a compact campus enrolling 953 students in Mitchell, SD.
Program Analysis
At $40,871 per year, Agricultural Production Operations graduates from Mitchell Technical College earn slightly above the $33,953 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 33.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Agricultural Production Operations programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Agricultural Production Operations's career paths, with 38% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 16% gap from the optimistic case.
The median debt load of $12,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
At #3 of 12 nationally, this is a top-5% Agricultural Production Operations program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $40,871 to $49,456 over five years — a 21% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Agricultural Production Operations offers 7 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Agricultural Production Operations graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary | $100,830 | +4.0% | 52% |
| Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers | $87,980 | -1.3% | 63% |
| Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary | $86,350 | +4.1% | 50% |
Agricultural Production Operations Career Guide
What can you do with a Agricultural Production Operations credential from Mitchell Technical College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.
Read the full Agricultural Production Operations career guide →
Compare & Explore
Agricultural Production Operations Overview
Agricultural Production Operations at Other Schools
Other Majors at Mitchell Technical College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.