Woodworking at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Lancaster, PA · Public · Associate Degree

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology's 53% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 1,449 students in Lancaster, PA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,305 at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology come in 18% above the national median of $32,449 for Woodworking programs.

The 30.5x 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 exposure is significant at 10% of job tasks, producing a 30% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

With first-year pay of $38,305 far exceeding the $9,373 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

With only 2 programs offering Woodworking nationally, this is a niche field. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology ranks #1 among them.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $38,305 to $53,411 shows 39% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 22 registered apprenticeships mapped to Woodworking, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

47 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
47
Score
48
High End
Earnings $38,305/yr (18% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (90% shielded)
Job Market Medium (23,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$573K
8.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
31.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
7 of 7
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$18,100
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,373
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,411
39% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Woodworking graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Patternmakers, wood $52,520 -5.0% 74%
Model makers, wood $51,850 -4.5% 85%
Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters $46,020 -1.6% 88%
Patternmakers, wood
$52,520
-5.0% growth 74% AI-proof
Model makers, wood
$51,850
-4.5% growth 85% AI-proof
Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters
$46,020
-1.6% growth 88% AI-proof

View all 7 career paths with full salary data →

Woodworking Career Guide

What can you do with a Woodworking credential from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Woodworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Woodworking Overview

Woodworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Woodworking at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology?
A score of 47/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Woodworking. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
How AI-proof is a career in Woodworking?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Woodworking work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology's score of 47/100 reflects this durability.
What's the typical debt for Woodworking graduates from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology?
At $9,373 in median debt, Woodworking graduates from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Woodworking graduates?
Yes — 22 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Woodworking career paths, including Accordion Maker. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →