Building/Construction Finishing at Rochester Community and Technical College
a smaller institution with 3,122 students in Rochester, MN.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $61,196 put Rochester Community and Technical College's Building/Construction Finishing program 68% above the national median of $36,481 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
The 122.5x 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 — 14% task exposure — and the 19% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Building/Construction Finishing graduates.
A #3 ranking out of 44 Building/Construction Finishing programs nationally puts Rochester Community and Technical College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $61,196 to $75,809 shows 24% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.
With 60 registered apprenticeships mapped to Building/Construction Finishing, 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 Building/Construction Finishing graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facilities managers | $104,690 | +3.8% | 52% |
| First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers | $78,690 | +5.3% | 57% |
| Construction and building inspectors | $72,120 | -0.8% | 57% |
About Building/Construction Finishing Careers
You’ll start by solving tangible problems on active job sites. As a maintenance worker or painter, your day involves hands-on tasks: troubleshooting a building’s electrical systems with a multimeter, prepping surfaces, or applying the final coats of paint that make a project complete. With experience, you can advance to a First-Line Supervisor role. Here, your focus shifts from using tools to managing teams, coordinating schedules from blueprints, and ensuring job site safety and quality standards are met.
Read the full Building/Construction Finishing career guide →
Compare & Explore
Building/Construction Finishing Overview
Building/Construction Finishing at Other Schools
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Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.