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Energy Systems Technologyat Ferris State University

Graduates earn $67,764/yr in their first year — about 10.0% below the national Energy Systems Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $755K; scenarios range from $693K to $756K depending on AI disruption.

Big Rapids, MI Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
65 SOLID
65
Optimistic
65
Pessimistic
Earnings
$67,764
1-year post-graduation
ROI
15.7x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$755K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
27% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Ferris State University

Ferris State's Energy Systems Technologies program provides highly specialized, hands-on training for a critical infrastructure field. Your earnings potential here reflects the strong demand for skilled technicians in the Midwest, particularly within utility companies, large industrial operations, and manufacturing sectors that rely on robust energy systems. This program excels at preparing you for the operational realities of power generation, distribution, and industrial energy management, often leading to stable, unionized positions with excellent benefits. While the regional market's compensation structure for these essential roles may differ from national averages found in other, perhaps more design-focused programs, you'll be equipped with practical skills directly applicable to maintaining and troubleshooting complex energy infrastructure. To maximize your career trajectory, actively pursue internships and cultivate strong relationships with local and regional employers during your studies.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$693K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score65/100
Earnings Multiple12.7x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$755K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score65/100
Earnings Multiple13.9x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$756K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score65/100
Earnings Multiple13.9x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Ferris State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Energy Systems Technology graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay
+5.5% 10-yr growth · 2,000 openings/yr
$100,940/yr
Moderate
2
Power plant operators
-11.2% 10-yr growth · 2,500 openings/yr
$99,670/yr
Low
3
Commercial and industrial designers
+3.2% 10-yr growth · 2,500 openings/yr
$79,450/yr
Moderate
4
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
+1.5% 10-yr growth · 5,700 openings/yr
$77,390/yr
Low
5
Wind turbine service technicians
+49.9% 10-yr growth · 2,300 openings/yr
$62,580/yr
Low
6
Solar photovoltaic installers
+42.1% 10-yr growth · 4,100 openings/yr
$51,860/yr
Low
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Energy Systems Technology

How Ferris State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Excelsior University
NY · Private nonprofit
50
DW Score
$110K
1-yr earn
Top score
Illinois State University
IL · Public
52
DW Score
$47K
1-yr earn
10.4x
ROI
Also at Ferris State University

Other top programs at Ferris State University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Ferris State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Energy Systems Technology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Energy Systems Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Energy Systems Technology at Ferris State University

How does Ferris State University's Energy Systems Technology program score?

This program scores 65/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Energy Systems Technology graduates.