Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, SD
Total Graduates
24
Class of 2024
Male Graduates
92%
22 of 24
Female Graduates
8%
2 of 24
Annual Tuition & Fees
$6,718
In-state, incl. fees
Program Overview
Program Details
Recent Outcomes
Verified Program Outcomes
Completion and employment results reported to the U.S. Department of Labor for Lake Area Technical College programs on the state Eligible Training Provider List. Missing values ("—") mean the state suppressed or did not report that metric — they never mean zero.
| Program | Completion rate | Employed 6 mo after exit | Employed 1 yr after exit | Median quarterly earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel Technology Ag/Industrial and Truck Options | AAS | Campus | 86% | 12% | 7% | $14,628 |
| Automotive Technology | AAS | Campus | 74% | 8% | — | $7,075 |
| Custom Paint & Fabrication | Diploma | Campus | 81% | — | 6% | — |
| Custom Paint & Fabrication | AAS | Campus | 91% | 13% | 10% | $9,748 |
| Diesel Technology DCAT ThinkBig Caterpillar | AAS | Campus | 82% | — | — | — |
In the Diesel Technology Ag/Industrial and Truck Options | AAS | Campus program at Lake Area Technical College, 12% of students were employed within 6 months of exit, and 86% completed the program, and median earnings in the second quarter after exit were $14,628 (U.S. Department of Labor, PY 2023).
In the Automotive Technology | AAS | Campus program at Lake Area Technical College, 8% of students were employed within 6 months of exit, and 74% completed the program, and median earnings in the second quarter after exit were $7,075 (U.S. Department of Labor, PY 2023).
In the Custom Paint & Fabrication | Diploma | Campus program at Lake Area Technical College, 81% completed the program (U.S. Department of Labor, PY 2023).
In the Custom Paint & Fabrication | AAS | Campus program at Lake Area Technical College, 13% of students were employed within 6 months of exit, and 91% completed the program, and median earnings in the second quarter after exit were $9,748 (U.S. Department of Labor, PY 2023).
In the Diesel Technology DCAT ThinkBig Caterpillar | AAS | Campus program at Lake Area Technical College, 82% completed the program (U.S. Department of Labor, PY 2023).
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, WIOA participant outcomes (trainingproviderresults.gov), PY 2023.
Career Outcomes for Graduates
Primary Career Path
Average Starting Salary
$49,670
10-Year Job Growth
+4.2%
Career Readiness Score
Related Career Paths
| Career Title | Starting Salary | Growth Rate | Skill Match | Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
SOC: 49-3023 | $39,736 | +4.2% | 75%
| primary100% confidence
|
| $66,184 | +6.1% | 75%
| primary100% confidence
| |
| $38,352 | -13.6% | 75%
| primary100% confidence
|
Salary Progression
Starting Salary
$37,253
Peak Salary
$62,088
Total Growth
+67%
Skills You'll Gain
✓ Skills Covered in Program (4)
ℹ Career Preparation
This program covers the essential skills needed for your target career.
Career Readiness Assessment
Technical Skills Alignment
Education Level Match
Note: Career outcomes and salary data are based on national averages and industry projections. Actual results may vary based on location, experience, and individual circumstances.
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