Precision Metalworking at Aims Community College

Greeley, CO · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a smaller institution with 3,182 students in Greeley, CO.

Program Analysis

Aims Community College Precision Metalworking graduates command $47,680/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,869 national median. That 29% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 253.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Precision Metalworking involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

Among 355 Precision Metalworking programs nationally, Aims Community College ranks #3 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

The 131 apprenticeship pathways connected to Precision Metalworking reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

74 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
73
Low End
74
Score
75
High End
Earnings $47,680/yr (29% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$547K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
261.5x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
22 of 24
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$2,090
Out-of-state: $11,306

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Precision Metalworking graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers $65,670 +12.8% 20%
Tool and die makers $63,180 -10.8% 81%
Model makers, metal and plastic $62,700 -18.2% 84%
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers
$65,670
+12.8% growth 20% AI-proof
Tool and die makers
$63,180
-10.8% growth 81% AI-proof
Model makers, metal and plastic
$62,700
-18.2% growth 84% AI-proof

View all 24 career paths with full salary data →

Precision Metalworking Career Guide

What can you do with a Precision Metalworking credential from Aims Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Aims Community College?
This program scores 74/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Precision Metalworking nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
Highly resilient. Precision Metalworking careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Aims Community College graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
What makes Aims Community College's Precision Metalworking program stand out?
The #3 ranking out of 355 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Aims Community College?
Beyond Aims Community College's classroom route, 131 registered apprenticeships map to Precision Metalworking careers — including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Will Precision Metalworking graduates from Aims Community College find jobs?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metalworking offers a very large employment pool. Aims Community College graduates enter a market shaped by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →