Sales & Marketing at Tacoma Community College

Tacoma, WA · Public · Certificate · General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations

a smaller institution with 4,248 students in Tacoma, WA.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,283/yr fall 25% below the $34,853 national median for Sales & Marketing. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 55.9x 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 — 44% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Sales & Marketing graduates.

Ranked #8 out of 16 programs, Tacoma Community College's Sales & Marketing offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

With 8 registered apprenticeships mapped to Sales & Marketing, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

64 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
61
Low End
64
Score
66
High End
Earnings $26,283/yr (-25% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (56% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (499,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$275K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
55.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
11 of 11
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)
$4,920
Out-of-state: $11,030

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Sales & Marketing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products $100,070 +1.9% 54%
Business teachers, postsecondary $97,270 +5.7% 51%
First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers $84,130 0.0% 46%
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products
$100,070
+1.9% growth 54% AI-proof
Business teachers, postsecondary
$97,270
+5.7% growth 51% AI-proof
First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
$84,130
0.0% growth 46% AI-proof

View all 11 career paths with full salary data →

Sales & Marketing Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Sales & Marketing careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering business & office.

Read the full Sales & Marketing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Sales & Marketing Overview

Sales & Marketing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Tacoma Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 64/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Sales & Marketing at Tacoma Community College?
At 64/100, Tacoma Community College's Sales & Marketing program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Sales & Marketing at Tacoma Community College?
AI exposure of 44% is a real factor. For Tacoma Community College specifically, the gap between optimistic ($274,978) and pessimistic ($274,978) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
Why are Sales & Marketing earnings lower at Tacoma Community College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Sales & Marketing program at Tacoma Community College?
If Tacoma Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 8 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Sales & Marketing. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Sales & Marketing from Tacoma Community College?
Job availability for Sales & Marketing is strong — 499,600 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Tacoma Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in WA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →