Ground Transportation at Tidewater Community College
serving 11,797 students in Norfolk, VA.
Program Analysis
Tidewater Community College's Ground Transportation program produces graduates earning $39,383/yr — within striking distance of the $41,480 national average for this trade.
With a 81.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 12% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Ground Transportation involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $3,345 in median debt clears fast against $39,383 in annual earnings.
A #33 ranking among 96 Ground Transportation programs places Tidewater Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
The limited growth from $39,383 to $45,546 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
The 14 apprenticeship pathways connected to Ground Transportation reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Ground Transportation graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subway and streetcar operators | $84,830 | +3.4% | 59% |
| Locomotive engineers | $77,400 | +0.7% | 71% |
| Railroad conductors and yardmasters | $74,080 | +1.1% | 72% |
Ground Transportation Career Guide
Explore what Ground Transportation graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 96 programs nationwide.