Communications Technology/Technician at Pellissippi State Community College

Knoxville, TN · Public · Associate Degree

enrolling 6,391 students in Knoxville, TN.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $25,754/yr, edging above the $24,135 national average for Communications Technology/Technician — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

The 39.8x 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 — 37% task exposure — and the 30% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Communications Technology/Technician graduates.

With only 4 programs offering Communications Technology/Technician nationally, this is a niche field. Pellissippi State Community College ranks #2 among them.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $25,754 to $35,781 shows 39% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 6 registered apprenticeships mapped to Communications Technology/Technician, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

38 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
33
Low End
38
Score
40
High End
Earnings $25,754/yr (7% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (63% shielded)
Job Market Small (9,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$383K
8.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
41.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
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)
$9,152
Out-of-state: $35,552
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,781
39% growth from Year 1

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 Pellissippi State Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Communications Technology/Technician at Pellissippi State Community College?
A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communications Technology/Technician. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
How vulnerable is Communications Technology/Technician to AI automation?
The 37% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Can I learn Communications Technology/Technician through an apprenticeship instead?
Communications Technology/Technician connects to 6 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.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →