Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians at Lewis and Clark Community College

Godfrey, IL · Public · Associate Degree

a compact campus enrolling 2,252 students in Godfrey, IL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $58,787 track close to the $58,980 national median for Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 103.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians is offered at just 6 schools in our analysis. Lewis and Clark Community College's #2 ranking should be read in that context.

A 24% earnings increase from $58,787 to $72,698 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 9 apprenticeship pathways connected to Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

65 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
62
Low End
65
Score
67
High End
Earnings $58,787/yr (-0% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (80% shielded)
Job Market Medium (12,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$755K
5.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
106.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
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)
$7,104
Out-of-state: $25,104
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,698
24% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Gas plant operators $83,400 -8.8% 91%
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390 +1.5% 76%
Service unit operators, oil and gas $57,980 +0.4% 94%
Gas plant operators
$83,400
-8.8% growth 91% AI-proof
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
$77,390
+1.5% growth 76% AI-proof
Service unit operators, oil and gas
$57,980
+0.4% growth 94% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

About Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians Careers

A career in mining and petroleum technology puts you directly at the heart of the energy industry. As a service unit operator, you’ll be out in the field, working with a crew to operate the heavy pumps and blending equipment needed to prepare oil and gas wells for production. Alternatively, you could become an engineering technician, working in a lab or office to test geological samples, maintain complex extraction machinery, and help engineers analyze data. This is hands-on work managing physical equipment and real-world conditions—a job that simply can’t be automated by AI.

Read the full Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians career guide →

Compare & Explore

Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians Overview

Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lewis and Clark Community College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Lewis and Clark Community College's Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians program score?
At 65/100, Lewis and Clark Community College's Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Can I learn Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians through an apprenticeship instead?
Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians connects to 9 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →