Communications Technology at Pellissippi State Community College

Knoxville, TN · Public · Associate Degree · Communications Technology/Technician

enrolling 6,391 students in Knoxville, TN.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $25,754/yr, edging above the $24,135 national average for Communications Technology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

The 39.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 30% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Communications Technology graduates.

With only 4 programs offering Communications Technology nationally, this is a niche field. Pellissippi State Community College ranks #2 among them.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $25,754 to $35,781 shows 39% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 6 registered apprenticeships mapped to Communications Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

38 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
33
Low End
38
Score
40
High End
Earnings $25,754/yr (7% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (63% shielded)
Job Market Small (9,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$383K
8.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
41.9x
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)
$9,152
Out-of-state: $35,552
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,781
39% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Communications Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Media and communication workers, all other $71,770 +2.7% 100%
Film and video editors $70,980 +4.0% 47%
Sound engineering technicians $66,430 -1.7% 57%
Media and communication workers, all other
$71,770
+2.7% growth 100% AI-proof
Film and video editors
$70,980
+4.0% growth 47% AI-proof
Sound engineering technicians
$66,430
-1.7% growth 57% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

Communications Technology Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Communications Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering other programs.

Read the full Communications Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Communications Technology Overview

Communications Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Pellissippi State Community 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 Communications Technology at Pellissippi State Community College?
A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communications Technology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
How vulnerable is Communications Technology to AI automation?
Our scenarios model 37% of Communications Technology tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Pellissippi State Community College's 38/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Can I learn Communications Technology through an apprenticeship instead of Pellissippi State Community College?
The DOL recognizes 6 apprenticeship pathways related to Communications Technology. For students weighing Pellissippi State Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →