Building/Construction Finishing at Mitchell Technical College
with a smaller student body of 953 in Mitchell, SD.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $37,485/yr, roughly in line with the $36,481 national median for Building/Construction Finishing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 31.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Building/Construction Finishing programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Building/Construction Finishing's career paths, with 14% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 17% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $37,485 far exceeding the $10,866 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #16 of 44 Building/Construction Finishing programs, Mitchell Technical College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Earnings grow from $37,485 to $45,504 over five years — a 21% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Building/Construction Finishing offers 60 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 Building/Construction Finishing graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facilities managers | $104,690 | +3.8% | 52% |
| First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers | $78,690 | +5.3% | 57% |
| Construction and building inspectors | $72,120 | -0.8% | 57% |
About Building/Construction Finishing Careers
You’ll start by solving tangible problems on active job sites. As a maintenance worker or painter, your day involves hands-on tasks: troubleshooting a building’s electrical systems with a multimeter, prepping surfaces, or applying the final coats of paint that make a project complete. With experience, you can advance to a First-Line Supervisor role. Here, your focus shifts from using tools to managing teams, coordinating schedules from blueprints, and ensuring job site safety and quality standards are met.
Read the full Building/Construction Finishing career guide →
Compare & Explore
Building/Construction Finishing Overview
Building/Construction Finishing at Other Schools
Other Majors at Mitchell Technical College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.