In the heart of Middle Tennessee, TCAT Murfreesboro is known for skills-first learning that feels like a real work site. Faculty focus on the how and the why across applied technologies, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, and IT. Classrooms blend with shops and labs, stocked with tools you actually use. Students get advising, tutoring, and career coaching to keep goals on track.
Campus life is practical and friendly, with close-knit cohorts, peer study groups, and hands-on showcases that spotlight what you can do. Resources for job searches, interview practice, and certification prep sit within easy reach. Employers visit for conversations and hiring events, and there's plenty of part-time work nearby. Off campus, Murfreesboro offers greenways and coffee spots close by. The vibe is get-it-done, safety-first, and proudly Tennessean.
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Murfreesboro with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Tennessee. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Tennessee vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Mechanics (10)
Most Graduates (29.6%)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
47.0201
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician.
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, install, service and maintain the operating condition of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Includes instruction in diagnostic techniques, the use of testing equipment and the principles of mechanics, electricity, and electronics as they relate to the repair of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
49-9021 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers |
$62,690
|
$48,230
|
-$14,460 (-23.1%)
|
47.0303
Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician.
(Cert<1y, Assoc, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair and maintain industrial machinery and equipment such as cranes, pumps, engines and motors, pneumatic tools, conveyor systems, production machinery, marine deck machinery, and steam propulsion, refinery, and pipeline-distribution systems.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
47-4021 |
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers |
$104,860
|
$89,650
|
-$15,210 (-14.5%)
|
49-9012 |
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door |
$75,970
|
$51,160
|
-$24,810 (-32.7%)
|
49-9041 |
Industrial Machinery Mechanics |
$67,160
|
$59,040
|
-$8,120 (-12.1%)
|
49-9043 |
Maintenance Workers, Machinery |
$61,820
|
$58,810
|
-$3,010 (-4.9%)
|
49-9044 |
Millwrights |
$68,640
|
$56,170
|
-$12,470 (-18.2%)
|
49-9045 |
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons |
$61,480
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
49-9081 |
Wind Turbine Service Technicians |
$67,580
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
47.0603
Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician.
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, reconstruct and finish automobile bodies, fenders, and external features. Includes instruction in structure analysis, damage repair, non-structural analysis, mechanical and electrical components, plastics and adhesives, painting and refinishing techniques, and damage analysis and estimating.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
13-1032 |
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage |
$77,050
|
$76,720
|
-$330 (-0.4%)
|
49-3021 |
Automotive Body and Related Repairers |
$58,830
|
$46,270
|
-$12,560 (-21.3%)
|
49-3022 |
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers |
$49,580
|
$47,860
|
-$1,720 (-3.5%)
|
51-9124 |
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders |
$51,610
|
$44,760
|
-$6,850 (-13.3%)
|
47.0604
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
(Cert<1y, Assoc, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles. Includes instruction in brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains, and heating and air condition systems.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
49-2093 |
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment |
$80,980
|
$60,760
|
-$20,220 (-25%)
|
49-2096 |
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles |
$50,240
|
$47,350
|
-$2,890 (-5.8%)
|
49-3023 |
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics |
$55,260
|
$49,200
|
-$6,060 (-11%)
|
Computer & IT (6)
Most Graduates (20%)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0103
Information Technology.
(Cert<1y, AltPostBac, AltPostMSc)
A program that focuses on the design of technological information systems, including computing systems, as solutions to business and research data and communications support needs. Includes instruction in the principles of computer hardware and software components, algorithms, databases, telecommunications, user tactics, application testing, and human interface design.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
11-3021 |
Computer and Information Systems Managers |
$187,990
|
$127,020
|
-$60,970 (-32.4%)
|
15-1211 |
Computer Systems Analysts |
$111,960
|
$80,890
|
-$31,070 (-27.8%)
|
15-1212 |
Information Security Analysts |
$127,730
|
$90,780
|
-$36,950 (-28.9%)
|
15-1221 |
Computer and Information Research Scientists |
$152,310
|
$103,690
|
-$48,620 (-31.9%)
|
15-1241 |
Computer Network Architects |
$135,890
|
$108,200
|
-$27,690 (-20.4%)
|
15-1243 |
Database Architects |
$142,620
|
$135,470
|
-$7,150 (-5%)
|
15-1252 |
Software Developers |
$144,570
|
$108,890
|
-$35,680 (-24.7%)
|
15-1253 |
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers |
$110,260
|
$74,660
|
-$35,600 (-32.3%)
|
15-2051 |
Data Scientists |
$124,590
|
$123,580
|
-$1,010 (-0.8%)
|
11.1002
System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager.
(Cert<1y, Assoc, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to oversee and regulate the computer system and performance requirements of an entire organization or network of satellite users. Includes instruction in performance balancing; redundancy; local area (LAN) and wide area (WAN) network management; system migration and upgrading; outage control; problem diagnosis and troubleshooting; and system maintenance, budgeting, and management.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
11-3021 |
Computer and Information Systems Managers |
$187,990
|
$127,020
|
-$60,970 (-32.4%)
|
15-1212 |
Information Security Analysts |
$127,730
|
$90,780
|
-$36,950 (-28.9%)
|
15-1231 |
Computer Network Support Specialists |
$79,610
|
$85,790
|
+$6,180 (+7.8%)
|
Health (6)
Most Graduates (16.5%)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.0601
Dental Assisting/Assistant.
(AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to provide patient care, take dental radiographs (x-ray photographs), prepare patients and equipment for dental procedures, and discharge office administrative functions under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists. Includes instruction in medical record-keeping, general office duties, reception and patient intake, scheduling, equipment maintenance and sterilization, basic radiography, pre- and post-operative patient care and instruction, chairside assisting, taking tooth and mouth impressions, and supervised practice.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$108,170
|
-$29,730 (-21.6%)
|
31-9091 |
Dental Assistants |
$48,860
|
$43,810
|
-$5,050 (-10.3%)
|
51.0904
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).
(AltPostBac, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals, under the remote supervision of physicians, to recognize, assess, and manage medical emergencies in prehospital settings and to supervise Ambulance personnel. Includes instruction in basic, intermediate, and advanced EMT procedures; emergency surgical procedures; medical triage; rescue operations; crisis scene management and personnel supervision; equipment operation and maintenance; patient stabilization, monitoring, and care; drug administration; identification and preliminary diagnosis of diseases and injuries; communication and computer operations; basic anatomy, physiology, pathology, and toxicology; and professional standards and regulations.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$108,170
|
-$29,730 (-21.6%)
|
29-2042 |
Emergency Medical Technicians |
$44,790
|
$36,710
|
-$8,080 (-18%)
|
29-2043 |
Paramedics |
$60,610
|
$46,640
|
-$13,970 (-23%)
|
51.0909
Surgical Technology/Technologist.
(Cert<1y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians and surgical nurses, to maintain, monitor, and enforce the sterile field and adherence to aseptic technique by preoperative, surgical team, and postoperative personnel. Includes instruction in instrument and equipment sterilization and handling, surgical supplies management, wound exposure and closure, surgical computer and robot operation and monitoring, maintenance of hemostasis, and patient and team scrubbing.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$108,170
|
-$29,730 (-21.6%)
|
29-2055 |
Surgical Technologists |
$65,810
|
$51,440
|
-$14,370 (-21.8%)
|
29-9093 |
Surgical Assistants |
$67,190
|
$49,640
|
-$17,550 (-26.1%)
|
51.1012
Sterile Processing Technology/Technician.
(AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to clean, sterilize, and assemble surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies for use in operating rooms and other medical and surgical facilities. Includes instruction in sterilization; infection control; decontamination; and surgical instrumentation processing, distribution, and record-keeping.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$108,170
|
-$29,730 (-21.6%)
|
29-2055 |
Surgical Technologists |
$65,810
|
$51,440
|
-$14,370 (-21.8%)
|
31-9093 |
Medical Equipment Preparers |
$48,990
|
$37,720
|
-$11,270 (-23%)
|
51.3901
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training.
(Cert<1y)
A program that prepares individuals to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician or dentist. Includes instruction in taking patient vital signs, applying sterile dressings, patient health education, and assistance with examinations and treatment.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
29-2061 |
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses |
$64,150
|
$51,690
|
-$12,460 (-19.4%)
|
Personal Services (5)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
12.0401
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General.
(Cert<1y)
A program that generally prepares individuals to cut, trim, and style scalp, facial, and body hair; apply cosmetic preparations; perform manicures and pedicures; massage the head and extremities; and prepare for practice as licensed cosmetologists in specialized or full-service salons. Includes instruction in hair cutting and styling, manicuring, pedicuring, facial treatments, shampooing, chemical applications, esthetics, shop management, sanitation and safety, customer service, and applicable professional and labor laws and regulations.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
39-5012 |
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists |
$43,460
|
$34,240
|
-$9,220 (-21.2%)
|
39-5091 |
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance |
$75,410
|
$89,300
|
+$13,890 (+18.4%)
|
39-5092 |
Manicurists and Pedicurists |
$36,910
|
$30,460
|
-$6,450 (-17.5%)
|
39-5093 |
Shampooers |
$30,830
|
$24,810
|
-$6,020 (-19.5%)
|
39-5094 |
Skincare Specialists |
$48,670
|
$34,110
|
-$14,560 (-29.9%)
|
12.0410
Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist.
(Cert<1y, AltPostBac, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to shape fingernails and toenails, remove unwanted skin and blemishes, apply polish and cosmetics to nails, and function as licensed manicurists or nail technicians/specialists. Includes instruction in manicuring theory; skin anatomy; nail growth, irregularities, and diseases; sterilization and sanitation; equipment and table maintenance; cuticle, blemish, and rough skin removal; nail filing, shaping, and polishing; cream application and extremity massage; nail sculpture and design art; product storage and use; customer service; laws and regulations; and business practices.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
39-5092 |
Manicurists and Pedicurists |
$36,910
|
$30,460
|
-$6,450 (-17.5%)
|
12.0413
Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor.
(AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares cosmetologists, barbers, stylists, nail technicians, and other grooming specialists to teach their specializations in licensed and accredited schools of cosmetology and barbering, and to prepare for licensure as instructors. Includes instruction in cosmetology arts and sciences teaching principles; student learning styles; professional curricula development; instructional planning; instructional methods and aids; student counseling and career assistance; test development; and classroom/clinic management.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
39-5011 |
Barbers |
$47,800
|
$34,410
|
-$13,390 (-28%)
|
39-5012 |
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists |
$43,460
|
$34,240
|
-$9,220 (-21.2%)
|
Construction (2)
Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts
46.0415
Building Construction Technology/Technician.
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to residential and commercial building construction and remodeling. Includes instruction in construction equipment and safety; site preparation and layout; construction estimating; blueprint reading; building codes; framing; masonry; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; electrical and mechanical systems; interior and exterior finishing; and plumbing.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
17-3022 |
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians |
$68,450
|
$62,860
|
-$5,590 (-8.2%)
|
47-1011 |
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers |
$84,500
|
$67,410
|
-$17,090 (-20.2%)
|
Production (4)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
48.0501
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist.
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to plan, manufacture, assemble, test, and repair parts, mechanisms, machines, and structures in which materials are cast, formed, shaped, molded, heat treated, cut, twisted, pressed, fused, stamped or worked.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
51-4021 |
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
$48,170
|
$44,300
|
-$3,870 (-8%)
|
51-4022 |
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
$50,900
|
$40,860
|
-$10,040 (-19.7%)
|
51-4023 |
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
$50,940
|
$45,530
|
-$5,410 (-10.6%)
|
51-4031 |
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
$47,060
|
$45,150
|
-$1,910 (-4.1%)
|
51-4032 |
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
$50,330
|
$41,250
|
-$9,080 (-18%)
|
51-4033 |
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
$46,600
|
$49,190
|
+$2,590 (+5.6%)
|
51-4034 |
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
$50,190
|
$37,230
|
-$12,960 (-25.8%)
|
51-4035 |
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
$52,940
|
$40,820
|
-$12,120 (-22.9%)
|
51-4041 |
Machinists |
$57,390
|
$50,470
|
-$6,920 (-12.1%)
|
51-4081 |
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
$48,590
|
$45,670
|
-$2,920 (-6%)
|
51-4191 |
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
$49,030
|
$35,310
|
-$13,720 (-28%)
|
51-4192 |
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic |
$65,770
|
$51,080
|
-$14,690 (-22.3%)
|
51-4199 |
Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other |
$45,850
|
$37,630
|
-$8,220 (-17.9%)
|
48.0508
Welding Technology/Welder.
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to join or cut metal surfaces. Includes instruction in arc welding, resistance welding, brazing and soldering, cutting, high-energy beam welding and cutting, solid state welding, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, oxidation-reduction reactions, welding metallurgy, welding processes and heat treating, structural design, safety, and applicable codes and standards.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
51-4121 |
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers |
$55,100
|
$45,150
|
-$9,950 (-18.1%)
|
51-4122 |
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders |
$49,270
|
$43,640
|
-$5,630 (-11.4%)
|
Eng. Technologies (1)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
15.1301
Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General.
(Cert<1y)
A program that prepares individuals to generally apply technical skills to create working drawings and computer simulations for a variety of applications. Includes instruction in specification interpretation, dimensioning techniques, drafting calculations, material estimation, technical communications, computer applications, and interpersonal communications.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
17-3011 |
Architectural and Civil Drafters |
$68,860
|
$70,890
|
+$2,030 (+2.9%)
|
17-3012 |
Electrical and Electronics Drafters |
$77,960
|
$81,070
|
+$3,110 (+4%)
|
17-3013 |
Mechanical Drafters |
$74,040
|
$64,020
|
-$10,020 (-13.5%)
|
17-3019 |
Drafters, All Other |
$66,530
|
$73,880
|
+$7,350 (+11%)
|
Arts (2)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0402
Commercial and Advertising Art.
(Cert<1y, AltPostMSc)
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences via illustrations and other forms of digital or printed media. Includes instruction in concept design, layout, paste-up, and techniques such as engraving, etching, silkscreen, lithography, offset, drawing and cartooning, painting, collage, and computer graphics.
Graduate Career Earnings in Tennessee
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Tennessee Avg |
TN vs US |
27-1019 |
Artists and Related Workers, All Other |
$79,490
|
$54,250
|
-$25,240 (-31.8%)
|
27-1021 |
Commercial and Industrial Designers |
$88,000
|
$65,470
|
-$22,530 (-25.6%)
|
27-1024 |
Graphic Designers |
$68,610
|
$54,080
|
-$14,530 (-21.2%)
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Murfreesboro
What academic programs and degree levels does Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Murfreesboro offer?
Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Murfreesboro offers 40 academic programs across 8 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (10 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (6 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (6 programs)
- Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care (5 programs)
- Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (4 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Murfreesboro?
Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Murfreesboro provides financial aid to 29% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $3,794 and average loans of $0.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $3,474
- State/Local grants: $1,993
- Institutional grants: $411
The university supports 238 students with grants and 0 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Murfreesboro graduates?
Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Murfreesboro graduates earn a median salary of $38,220 after 6 years and $40,869 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $22,824 (25th percentile) to $59,209 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.