Heavy Equipment Technology at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens

Athens, TN · Public · Certificate · Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies

a smaller institution with 365 students in Athens, TN.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,093 place Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens below the $51,528 national median for Heavy Equipment Technology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

AI exposure is significant at 11% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

At #73 out of 80 programs, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens's financial outcomes for Heavy Equipment Technology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $38,093 to $63,950 over five years (68% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

With 67 registered apprenticeships mapped to Heavy Equipment Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

51 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
51
Score
52
High End
Earnings $38,093/yr (-26% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (80,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$668K
12.0% annual growth
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.

Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,950
68% 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

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

Read the full Heavy Equipment Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Heavy Equipment Technology Overview

Heavy Equipment Technology 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens's Heavy Equipment Technology program score?
This program scores 51/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Heavy Equipment Technology programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Heavy Equipment Technology jobs?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 11% of Heavy Equipment Technology tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 9 of 9 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
Is Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens a good choice for Heavy Equipment Technology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Heavy Equipment Technology program at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens?
The DOL recognizes 67 apprenticeship pathways related to Heavy Equipment Technology. For students weighing Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Heavy Equipment Technology graduates?
The large job market (80,400 annual openings) works in favor of Heavy Equipment Technology graduates. The national outlook is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →