Environmental Technology at Riverside City College

Riverside, CA · Public · Certificate · Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians

with a mid-sized student body of 17,361 in Riverside, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $48,911 put Riverside City College's Environmental Technology program 28% above the national median of $38,197 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 360.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Environmental Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Riverside City College ranks #2 among 63 Environmental Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The 30 apprenticeship pathways connected to Environmental Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

72 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
69
Low End
72
Score
73
High End
Earnings $48,911/yr (28% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (68,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$512K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
360.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
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.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$1,420
Out-of-state: $11,230

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

What can you do with a Environmental Technology credential from Riverside City College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Environmental Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Environmental Technology Overview

Environmental Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Riverside City College

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 Riverside City College?
This program scores 72/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Environmental Technology nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Is Riverside City College one of the best schools for Environmental Technology?
The #2 ranking out of 63 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Environmental Technology program at Riverside City College?
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 Riverside City College.
Will Environmental Technology graduates from Riverside City College find jobs?
The large job market (68,200 annual openings) works in favor of Environmental Technology graduates. The national outlook is driven by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →