Design Engineering Technologies at Portland Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 18,365 in Portland, OR.
Program Analysis
Graduates of Portland Community College's Design Engineering Technologies program earn $54,198/yr in their first year — 29% above the $42,040 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.
The 56.3x 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 — 40% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Design Engineering Technologies graduates.
Ranked #11 out of 45 programs, Portland Community College's Design Engineering Technologies program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
Earnings growth is modest: $54,198 to $55,324 over five years (2% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.
With 15 registered apprenticeships mapped to Design Engineering Technologies, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
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 Design Engineering Technologies graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and electronics drafters | $73,720 | -5.6% | 43% |
| Mechanical drafters | $68,510 | -6.5% | 50% |
| Architectural and civil drafters | $64,280 | +4.1% | 46% |
About Design Engineering Technologies Careers
Your career begins by transforming an engineer's rough sketch into a precise digital model. As an architectural drafter, you might spend your day in an office using software like Revit to create detailed blueprints for a new office building, then visit the construction site to verify measurements. As a mechanical drafter, you’d use SolidWorks to model a complex machine part, ensuring every tolerance is perfect for manufacturing.
Read the full Design Engineering Technologies career guide →
Compare & Explore
Design Engineering Technologies Overview
Design Engineering Technologies at Other Schools
Other Majors at Portland Community College
Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?
Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.