Heavy Equipment Technology at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton

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

a compact campus enrolling 497 students in Elizabethton, TN.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,205 place Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton below the $51,528 national median for Heavy Equipment Technology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Heavy Equipment Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #77 ranking among 80 Heavy Equipment Technology programs places Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 27% earnings increase from $34,205 to $43,423 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
49
Score
49
High End
Earnings $34,205/yr (-34% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (80,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$454K
6.2% 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)
$43,423
27% 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

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 Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton

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-Elizabethton's Heavy Equipment Technology program score?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Heavy Equipment Technology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Heavy Equipment Technology from Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton a future-proof career choice?
For Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton graduates, AI risk is minimal. Heavy Equipment Technology rated "AI-Proof" — 89% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
Can you still earn well with Heavy Equipment Technology from Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton?
Starting salary is one data point. If Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
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.
Is there demand for Heavy Equipment Technology workers?
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 →