Environmental Control Technologies at Northwestern Technological Institute

Southfield, MI · Private for-profit · Certificate · Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians

with a smaller student body of 689 in Southfield, MI.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,015/yr, roughly in line with the $38,197 national median for Environmental Control Technologies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Environmental Control Technologies graduates.

With first-year pay of $36,015 far exceeding the $9,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #30 out of 63 programs, Northwestern Technological Institute's Environmental Control Technologies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $36,015 to $39,215 over five years (9% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

With 30 registered apprenticeships mapped to Environmental Control Technologies, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
49
Score
50
High End
Earnings $36,015/yr (-6% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (68,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$397K
2.1% 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
$9,500
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,215
9% 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

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northwestern Technological Institute'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.
How affordable is Environmental Control Technologies at Northwestern Technological Institute?
Median debt of just $9,500 against $36,015/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Can I learn Environmental Control Technologies through an apprenticeship instead?
Environmental Control Technologies connects to 30 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
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 →