Heavy Equipment Technology at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College

Bowling Green, KY · Public · Associate Degree · Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies

a compact campus enrolling 2,952 students in Bowling Green, KY.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $58,717 at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College come in 14% above the national median of $51,528 for Heavy Equipment Technology programs.

With a 74.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% 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.

With first-year pay of $58,717 far exceeding the $9,300 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #24 ranking among 80 Heavy Equipment Technology programs places Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $58,717 to $68,628 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

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

68 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
68
Score
68
High End
Earnings $58,717/yr (14% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (80,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$704K
4.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
75.6x
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)
$9,312
Out-of-state: $12,384
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,300
1.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,628
17% growth from Year 1

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

What can you do with a Heavy Equipment Technology credential from Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Heavy Equipment Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Heavy Equipment Technology Overview

Heavy Equipment Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College's Heavy Equipment Technology program score?
A score of 68/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Heavy Equipment Technology field.
Will AI replace Heavy Equipment Technology jobs?
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.
How affordable is Heavy Equipment Technology at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College?
At $9,300 in median debt, Heavy Equipment Technology graduates from Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Are there apprenticeship options for Heavy Equipment Technology?
There are 67 registered apprenticeships connected to Heavy Equipment Technology occupations, such as Accessibility And Private Residence Lift Technician and Auto Maintenance-Equipment Servicer. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Will Heavy Equipment Technology graduates from Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College find jobs?
Job availability for Heavy Equipment Technology is strong — 80,400 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College graduates specifically, local market conditions in KY may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →