Home › Northeast Iowa Community College › Agricultural Production Operations

Agricultural Production Operations at Northeast Iowa Community College

Calmar, IA · Public · Certificate

a compact campus enrolling 1,736 students in Calmar, IA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,924/yr, edging above the $33,953 national average for Agricultural Production Operations — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

The 61.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Agricultural Production Operations graduates.

A #1 ranking out of 12 Agricultural Production Operations programs nationally puts Northeast Iowa Community College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

With 7 registered apprenticeships mapped to Agricultural Production Operations, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
62
Score
63
High End
Earnings $38,924/yr (15% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (62% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (132,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$407K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
61.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
10 of 10
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)
$6,600
Out-of-state: $7,470

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%
Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary
$100,830
+4.0% growth 52% AI-proof
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
$87,980
-1.3% growth 63% AI-proof
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary
$86,350
+4.1% growth 50% AI-proof

View all 10 career paths with full salary data →

Agricultural Production Operations Career Guide

What can you do with a Agricultural Production Operations credential from Northeast Iowa Community 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

View all 12 schools offering Agricultural Production Operations →

Agricultural Production Operations at Other Schools

Kirkwood Community College ($42,392) Mitchell Technical College ($40,871) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($36,083) Michigan State University ($35,978) North Carolina State University at Raleigh ($35,198) Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute ($33,940) Ohio State University-Main Campus ($33,940) Niagara County Community College ($33,131)

Other Majors at Northeast Iowa Community College

Nursing ($57,546) Agricultural Mechanization ($56,331) Allied Health Professions ($51,206) Electrical Installation ($44,198) Precision Metalworking ($43,588) Vehicle Repair Technology ($43,536) Agricultural Business ($40,955) Health Administration ($36,716)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Agricultural Production Operations degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northeast Iowa Community College's Agricultural Production Operations program score?
At 62/100, Northeast Iowa Community College's Agricultural Production Operations program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
What's the AI risk for Agricultural Production Operations graduates from Northeast Iowa Community College?
The 38% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Northeast Iowa Community College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Agricultural Production Operations program at Northeast Iowa Community College?
The DOL recognizes 7 apprenticeship pathways related to Agricultural Production Operations. For students weighing Northeast Iowa Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Agricultural Production Operations graduates from Northeast Iowa Community College find jobs?
At 132,800 annual openings, Agricultural Production Operations has a very large employment base. Northeast Iowa Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →