Heavy Equipment Technology at Somerset Community College

Somerset, KY · Public · Certificate · Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies

a compact campus enrolling 3,899 students in Somerset, KY.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $55,793 at Somerset Community College come in 8% above the national median of $51,528 for Heavy Equipment Technology programs.

With a 125.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Heavy Equipment Technology involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

Somerset Community College ranks #11 among 80 Heavy Equipment Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The 67 apprenticeship pathways connected to Heavy Equipment Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

72 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
71
Low End
72
Score
72
High End
Earnings $55,793/yr (8% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (80,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$584K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
125.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
9 of 9
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)
$4,656
Out-of-state: $6,192

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Heavy Equipment Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers $106,580 +5.0% 82%
Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door $74,690 +1.3% 87%
Rail car repairers $65,680 +2.8% 90%
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
$106,580
+5.0% growth 82% AI-proof
Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
$74,690
+1.3% growth 87% AI-proof
Rail car repairers
$65,680
+2.8% growth 90% AI-proof

View all 9 career paths with full salary data →

Heavy Equipment Technology Career Guide

Explore what Heavy Equipment Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 80 programs nationwide.

Read the full Heavy Equipment Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Heavy Equipment Technology Overview

Heavy Equipment Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Somerset Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 72/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Heavy Equipment Technology at Somerset Community College?
This program scores 72/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Heavy Equipment Technology nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Is Heavy Equipment Technology from Somerset Community College a future-proof career choice?
Heavy Equipment Technology rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 11% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
What makes Somerset Community College's Heavy Equipment Technology program stand out?
Among 80 Heavy Equipment Technology programs, Somerset Community College's #11 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Heavy Equipment Technology graduates?
Yes — 67 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Heavy Equipment Technology career paths, including Accessibility And Private Residence Lift Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Somerset Community College.
How many job openings are there for Heavy Equipment Technology graduates?
At 80,400 annual openings, Heavy Equipment Technology has a large employment base. Somerset Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →