Heavy Equipment Technology at Rend Lake College

Ina, IL · Public · Certificate · Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies

a smaller institution with 1,196 students in Ina, IL.

Program Analysis

At $61,677 per year, Heavy Equipment Technology graduates from Rend Lake College earn slightly above the $51,528 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 143.4x 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.

With only 11% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 0%. Career paths for Heavy Equipment Technology are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Ranked #4 out of 80 programs, Rend Lake College's Heavy Equipment Technology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

With 67 registered apprenticeships mapped to Heavy Equipment Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

74 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
73
Low End
74
Score
74
High End
Earnings $61,677/yr (20% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (80,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$645K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
143.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
9 of 9
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)
$4,500
Out-of-state: $7,800

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Heavy Equipment Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers $106,580 +5.0% 82%
Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door $74,690 +1.3% 87%
Rail car repairers $65,680 +2.8% 90%
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers
$106,580
+5.0% growth 82% AI-proof
Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
$74,690
+1.3% growth 87% AI-proof
Rail car repairers
$65,680
+2.8% growth 90% AI-proof

View all 9 career paths with full salary data →

Heavy Equipment Technology Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Heavy Equipment Technology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Rend Lake College and 79 other schools.

Read the full Heavy Equipment Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Heavy Equipment Technology Overview

Heavy Equipment Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Rend Lake College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Heavy Equipment Technology at Rend Lake College?
At 74/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
How safe is Heavy Equipment Technology from automation?
Heavy Equipment Technology rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 11% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
What makes Rend Lake College's Heavy Equipment Technology program stand out?
Ranked #4 of 80 programs nationally, Rend Lake College lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Are there apprenticeship options for Heavy Equipment Technology?
Beyond Rend Lake College's classroom route, 67 registered apprenticeships map to Heavy Equipment Technology careers — including Accessibility And Private Residence Lift Technician. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Is there demand for Heavy Equipment Technology workers?
The large job market (80,400 annual openings) works in favor of Heavy Equipment Technology graduates. The national outlook is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →