Design Engineering Technologies at Pittsburgh Technical College
a compact campus enrolling 822 students in Oakdale, PA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $41,991 track close to the $42,040 national median for Design Engineering Technologies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 12.8x 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 — 40% task exposure — and the 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Design Engineering Technologies graduates.
At $14,499 in median debt against $41,991 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
At #36 out of 45 programs, Pittsburgh Technical College's financial outcomes for Design Engineering Technologies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $41,991 to $49,334 over five years (17% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.
With 15 registered apprenticeships mapped to Design Engineering Technologies, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
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 Design Engineering Technologies graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and electronics drafters | $73,720 | -5.6% | 43% |
| Mechanical drafters | $68,510 | -6.5% | 50% |
| Architectural and civil drafters | $64,280 | +4.1% | 46% |
About Design Engineering Technologies Careers
Your career begins by transforming an engineer's rough sketch into a precise digital model. As an architectural drafter, you might spend your day in an office using software like Revit to create detailed blueprints for a new office building, then visit the construction site to verify measurements. As a mechanical drafter, you’d use SolidWorks to model a complex machine part, ensuring every tolerance is perfect for manufacturing.
Read the full Design Engineering Technologies career guide →
Compare & Explore
Design Engineering Technologies Overview
Design Engineering Technologies at Other Schools
Other Majors at Pittsburgh Technical College
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