Environmental Technology at Western Technical College

El Paso, TX · Private for-profit · Associate Degree · Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians

a smaller institution with 1,148 students in El Paso, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,483 track close to the $38,197 national median for Environmental Technology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Some AI exposure exists in Environmental Technology's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 29% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $23,464 represents roughly 8 months of the $35,483 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #37 of 63 Environmental Technology programs, Western Technical College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $35,483 to $48,919 over five years — a 38% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

Environmental Technology offers 30 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
48
Score
49
High End
Earnings $35,483/yr (-7% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (68,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$523K
8.4% annual growth
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

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

Median Debt at Graduation
$23,464
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,919
38% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Environmental 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%
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers $59,810 +8.1% 89%
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians $58,890 +1.2% 59%
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
$77,390
+1.5% growth 76% AI-proof
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
$59,810
+8.1% growth 89% AI-proof
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians
$58,890
+1.2% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Environmental Technology Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Environmental Technology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Western Technical College and 62 other schools.

Read the full Environmental Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Environmental Technology Overview

Environmental Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Technical College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Environmental Technology at Western Technical College?
A score of 48/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Environmental Technology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Are there apprenticeship options for Environmental Technology?
The DOL recognizes 30 apprenticeship pathways related to Environmental Technology. For students weighing Western Technical College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Environmental Technology workers?
With approximately 68,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Environmental Technology offers a large employment pool. Western Technical College graduates enter a market shaped by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →