Heavy Equipment Technology at San Joaquin Valley College-Ontario

Ontario, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies

a compact campus enrolling 1,022 students in Ontario, CA.

Program Analysis

San Joaquin Valley College-Ontario's Heavy Equipment Technology graduates start at $55,314/yr — above the $51,528 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With only 11% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 15%. Career paths for Heavy Equipment Technology are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $9,500 in median debt clears fast against $55,314 in annual earnings.

At #47 out of 80 programs, San Joaquin Valley College-Ontario's financial outcomes for Heavy Equipment Technology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $55,314 to $65,882 over five years (19% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
56
Low End
58
Score
58
High End
Earnings $55,314/yr (7% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (80,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$679K
4.5% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
2.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,882
19% growth from Year 1

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

Heavy Equipment Technology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Heavy Equipment Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Heavy Equipment Technology Overview

Heavy Equipment Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at San Joaquin Valley College-Ontario

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does San Joaquin Valley College-Ontario's Heavy Equipment Technology program score?
At 58/100, the score looks reasonable — but Heavy Equipment Technology is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How AI-proof is a career in Heavy Equipment Technology?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Heavy Equipment Technology work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. San Joaquin Valley College-Ontario's score of 58/100 reflects this durability.
How affordable is Heavy Equipment Technology at San Joaquin Valley College-Ontario?
At $9,500 in median debt, Heavy Equipment Technology graduates from San Joaquin Valley College-Ontario carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Are there apprenticeship options for Heavy Equipment Technology?
The DOL recognizes 67 apprenticeship pathways related to Heavy Equipment Technology. For students weighing San Joaquin Valley College-Ontario's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the job market like for Heavy Equipment Technology from San Joaquin Valley College-Ontario?
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 →