Environmental Technology at Polaris Career Center

Middleburg Heights, OH · Public · Certificate · Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians

with a smaller student body of 230 in Middleburg Heights, OH.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $37,480/yr, roughly in line with the $38,197 national median for Environmental Technology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

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 24% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $37,480 far exceeding the $6,333 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #36 of 63 Environmental Technology programs, Polaris Career Center falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $37,480 to $48,745 over five years — a 30% 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.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
49
Score
51
High End
Earnings $37,480/yr (-2% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (68,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$513K
6.8% 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
$6,333
2.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,745
30% 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 Polaris Career Center and 62 other schools.

Read the full Environmental Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Environmental Technology Overview

Environmental Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Polaris Career Center

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Environmental Technology at Polaris Career Center?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for Environmental Technology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
What's the typical debt for Environmental Technology graduates from Polaris Career Center?
Median debt of just $6,333 against $37,480/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 2 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Are there apprenticeship options for Environmental Technology?
Yes — 30 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Environmental Technology career paths, including Additive 3D Printing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Polaris Career Center.
How many job openings are there for Environmental Technology graduates?
With approximately 68,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Environmental Technology offers a large employment pool. Polaris Career Center graduates enter a market shaped by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →