Communications Technology/Technician at Ozarks Technical Community College

Springfield, MO · Public · Associate Degree

serving 8,194 students in Springfield, MO.

Program Analysis

At $32,713 per year, Communications Technology/Technician graduates from Ozarks Technical Community College significantly outpace the $24,135 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 40.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communications Technology/Technician career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Communications Technology/Technician is offered at just 4 schools in our analysis. Ozarks Technical Community College's #1 ranking should be read in that context.

The 6 apprenticeship pathways connected to Communications Technology/Technician reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
42
Low End
44
Score
45
High End
Earnings $32,713/yr (36% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (63% shielded)
Job Market Small (9,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$33K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
40.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$8,368
Out-of-state: $13,744
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$27,827
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Communications Technology/Technician graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Media and communication workers, all other $71,770 +2.7% 100%
Film and video editors $70,980 +4.0% 47%
Sound engineering technicians $66,430 -1.7% 57%
Media and communication workers, all other
$71,770
+2.7% growth 100% AI-proof
Film and video editors
$70,980
+4.0% growth 47% AI-proof
Sound engineering technicians
$66,430
-1.7% growth 57% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

About Communications Technology/Technician Careers

Your career could start in a darkened edit suite, piecing together raw footage with software like Adobe Premiere Pro to create a compelling story for a commercial or documentary. Or, you might be on your feet, setting up complex audio-visual systems—microphones, cameras, and live-streaming gear—for corporate events or broadcast productions. Entry-level roles often involve assisting senior technicians or editors, learning the ropes by running cables, logging media, or performing initial cuts.

Read the full Communications Technology/Technician career guide →

Compare & Explore

Communications Technology/Technician Overview

Communications Technology/Technician at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ozarks Technical Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Ozarks Technical Community College's Communications Technology/Technician program score?
A score of 44/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communications Technology/Technician. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI affect Communications Technology/Technician careers?
AI won't 'replace' Communications Technology/Technician careers outright, but it is likely to reduce job openings. We model 37% task exposure, which compresses employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Ozarks Technical Community College rank so high for Communications Technology/Technician?
Among 4 Communications Technology/Technician programs, Ozarks Technical Community College's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Communications Technology/Technician graduates?
Yes — 6 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Communications Technology/Technician career paths, including Audio Operator. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →