Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies at Tidewater Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 11,797 in Norfolk, VA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $54,461 at Tidewater Community College come in 24% above the national median of $43,886 for Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies programs.
With a 106.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
With first-year pay of $54,461 far exceeding the $4,719 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #2 of 22 programs, this Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.
The limited growth from $54,461 to $60,555 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
The 49 apprenticeship pathways connected to Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians | $79,830 | +8.1% | 68% |
| Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other | $77,390 | +1.5% | 76% |
| Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians | $70,760 | +1.1% | 58% |
About Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies Careers
Your skills will put you at the heart of how things work, whether in a bustling auto shop or a high-tech manufacturing lab. On any given day, you might be using diagnostic scanners and wrenches to pinpoint an engine problem in a modern vehicle, getting your hands dirty to make the fix. Alternatively, you could be working alongside engineers, using precision instruments and CAD software to test a new aerospace component or calibrate the robotic arms on an assembly line. This hands-on expertise is your career's foundation, tackling real-world problems that can't be solved from a desk or automated away.
Read the full Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies career guide →
Compare & Explore
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies Overview
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Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.