Career Outcomes

Your Future Starts Here

Career and Technical Education at Pasadena High School prepares students for immediate employment, two-year degrees, apprenticeships, four-year universities, and advanced careers. Graduates leave with technical skills, industry certifications, work-based experience, and professional networks. CTE credentials can lead to competitive starting salaries, faster advancement, transferable college credit, and lower education costs.

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Three Pathways to Success

Pathway 1: Immediate Career Entry

What This Looks Like

Earn a high school diploma and industry certifications, then enter the workforce with employer-recognized credentials.

Entry-Level Salaries by Career Cluster

• Welding & Manufacturing: $45,000–55,000$

• Construction & Electrical: $42,000–58,000$

• Culinary Arts & Hospitality: $28,000–35,000$

• Health Science: $32,000–42,000$

• Information Technology: $38,000–50,000$

• Business & Marketing: $32,000–45,000$

• Audio/Video Production: $35,000–48,000$

• Agriculture & Animal Science: $35,000–50,000$

With experience and additional certifications, many workers advance to supervisory or specialized roles earning $55,000–75,000$ within five years and $70,000–100,000+$ in management or advanced technical positions.

Examples

• Welding: Entry-Level Welder at $48,000$ → Welding Technician at $62,000$ → Welding Supervisor at $75,000+$

• Information Technology: Computer Technician at $45,000$ → IT Support Specialist at $55,000$ → Systems Administrator at $85,000+$

Why Choose This Pathway

• Begin earning immediately without student loan debt.

• Gain employer-recognized certifications and experience.

• Advance into management or continue your education while working.

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Pathway 2: Two-Year College & Apprenticeships

What This Looks Like

Combine CTE coursework with an associate degree or registered apprenticeship. Certifications and courses may transfer as college credit, reducing time and tuition costs.

Earning Potential

• Dental Hygienist: $77,000–85,000$

• Paramedic/EMT Advanced: $45,000–60,000$

• Electrician with Apprenticeship: $55,000–75,000$

• HVAC Technician: $50,000–70,000$

• Network Technician: $55,000–75,000$

• Surgical Technologist: $55,000–65,000$

• Chef/Culinary Manager: $50,000–70,000$

• Construction Supervisor: $60,000–85,000$

Registered apprenticeships combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. Programs typically last three to five years, with earnings progressing from approximately $30,000–35,000$ to $60,000–70,000+$ upon completion. Experienced workers can advance to supervisory or management roles earning $65,000–95,000$.

Examples

• Health Science → Dental Hygiene: Earn a high school CMA certification, complete a two-year degree, and qualify for dental hygienist positions earning $80,000+$.

• Construction → Electrician Apprenticeship: Complete the CTE pathway, earn while training, and graduate debt-free earning approximately $65,000+$.

Why Choose This Pathway

• Earn a degree or apprenticeship credential at lower cost.

• Combine classroom learning with practical experience.

• Build a foundation for advanced certifications or a bachelor's degree.

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Pathway 3: Four-Year University & Advanced Degrees

What This Looks Like

Use CTE experience, certifications, and college credits to enter a bachelor's degree program with a clear major and potentially reduced time to graduation. Students may begin with $12–30$ credits and graduate in approximately $3–3.5$ years.

Earning Potential

• Software Engineer: $103,000–130,000+$

• Civil Engineer: $95,000–120,000+$

• Construction Manager: $97,000–140,000+$

• Registered Nurse (BSN): $75,000–95,000+$

• Business Manager: $85,000–120,000+$

• Environmental Engineer: $95,000–130,000+$

• Computer Network Architect: $109,000–140,000+$

• Physician/Surgeon: $200,000–400,000+$

Early-career professionals may earn $80,000–120,000$, advance to senior or leadership roles earning $110,000–200,000+$, and pursue executive or specialized careers exceeding $150,000$.

Examples

• Engineering: Complete CTE engineering courses and Autodesk certification, transfer college credits, and begin an engineering career earning $95,000+$.

• Health Science → Nursing: Complete CTE certifications, enter a BSN program with credits already earned, and begin as an RN earning $75,000+$.

Why Choose This Pathway

• Reduce college costs and time to graduation.

• Enter university with technical skills, experience, and a clear major.

• Increase long-term earning potential and access to advanced careers.

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Earning Potential & Return on Investment

Lifetime Earnings Comparison

Over a $40$-year career, estimated lifetime earnings vary by education and training:

• High School Diploma (no CTE): $1.2–1.5$ million

• High School Diploma + CTE Certifications: $1.6–2.2$ million

• Two-Year Degree: $1.8–2.5$ million

• Bachelor's Degree: $2.5–3.5$ million

• Advanced Degree: $3.5–5+$ million

CTE offers strong return on investment through immediate earning, reduced student debt, recognized certifications, and faster advancement. Employers may also support additional certifications and education.

Example ROI Calculation

• High school graduate starting salary: $35,000$ per year

• CTE welding graduate starting salary: $48,000$ per year

• First-year difference: $13,000$

Over five years, the CTE graduate may earn an additional $65,000–80,000$ while building experience and advancing toward supervisory roles.

Pasadena High School CTE graduates are launching careers across all 12 program areas, starting businesses, earning certifications, transferring to universities, and advancing into leadership roles. Student success stories will be added soon from welding, construction, healthcare, information technology, culinary arts, business, engineering, and audio/video production.

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Your Path Forward

Get Started Today

Step 1: Explore All 12 Programs

Review program descriptions and identify options that match your interests and strengths.

Step 2: Talk to Your School Counselor

Your counselor can help you:

• Match your skills and interests to programs.

• Understand pathway courses and certifications.

• Plan for immediate employment, college, or apprenticeship.

• Maximize college credit and credential opportunities.

Step 3: Attend a Program Information Session

Meet instructors, tour facilities, and learn from current students. Ask your counselor for dates.

Step 4: Enroll in Your First CTE Course

Most students begin in 9th grade, but students can start at any grade level. Courses build skills progressively and prepare you for certifications.

Step 5: Join Your CTSO

Career Technical Student Organizations offer leadership development, competitions, community service, and professional networking.

Timeline

• Grade 9: Begin the CTE pathway and complete the Principles course.

• Grade 10: Develop skills and earn initial certifications.

• Grade 11: Complete specialized coursework and pursue work-based learning.

• Grade 12: Finish capstone projects, earn final certifications, and prepare for your next step.

Questions?

Contact your school counselor or visit the CTE office to learn about career outcomes, programs, and enrollment. Your future starts here.

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Ready to Launch Your Future?

Explore our programs, talk to your school counselor, and discover which CTE pathway aligns with your interests and goals. Your future starts here.

Enroll Today at the Bobby Newcomb CTE Center at PHS