Industrial Production Technology at SOWELA Technical Community College

Lake Charles, LA · Public · Associate Degree · Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians

a smaller institution with 2,979 students in Lake Charles, LA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $75,239 put SOWELA Technical Community College's Industrial Production Technology program 36% above the national median of $55,266 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 149.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 40% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Industrial Production Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

SOWELA Technical Community College ranks #6 among 47 Industrial Production Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $75,239-to-$130,442 earnings arc over five years reflects a 73% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

The 30 apprenticeship pathways connected to Industrial Production Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

75 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
69
Low End
75
Score
77
High End
Earnings $75,239/yr (36% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (73% shielded)
Job Market Large (69,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$1,320K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
154.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
5 of 5
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$8,530
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$130,442
73% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Industrial Production Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390 +1.5% 76%
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians $77,180 +0.6% 59%
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians $64,790 +1.7% 61%
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
$77,390
+1.5% growth 76% AI-proof
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians
$77,180
+0.6% growth 59% AI-proof
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians
$64,790
+1.7% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 5 career paths with full salary data →

Industrial Production Technology Career Guide

Industrial Production Technology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Industrial Production Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Industrial Production Technology Overview

Industrial Production Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at SOWELA Technical 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 is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Industrial Production Technology at SOWELA Technical Community College?
This program scores 75/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Industrial Production Technology nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Why does SOWELA Technical Community College rank so high for Industrial Production Technology?
The #6 ranking out of 47 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Industrial Production Technology program at SOWELA Technical Community College?
The DOL recognizes 30 apprenticeship pathways related to Industrial Production Technology. For students weighing SOWELA Technical Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How sensitive is Industrial Production Technology to AI disruption?
Our model shows a 40% gap between best and worst-case decade earnings. AI is unlikely to eliminate Industrial Production Technology careers, but it could reduce positions in some specializations.
Will Industrial Production Technology graduates from SOWELA Technical Community College find jobs?
At 69,900 annual openings, Industrial Production Technology has a large employment base. SOWELA Technical Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →