Precision Metalworking at Alexandria Technical & Community College

Alexandria, MN · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 1,438 in Alexandria, MN.

Program Analysis

At $51,141 per year, Precision Metalworking graduates from Alexandria Technical & Community College significantly outpace the $36,869 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 96.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metalworking programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 15% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

The median debt load of $5,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #23 of 355 programs, Alexandria Technical & Community College's Precision Metalworking program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Five-year earnings of $60,991 are relatively flat compared to the $51,141 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

Precision Metalworking offers 131 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
69
Low End
70
Score
71
High End
Earnings $51,141/yr (39% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$628K
4.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
101.2x
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
$6,213
Median Debt at Graduation
$5,500
1.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,991
19% growth from Year 1

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

Explore what Precision Metalworking graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 355 programs nationwide.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Alexandria Technical & Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 70/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Alexandria Technical & Community College?
A score of 70/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Alexandria Technical & Community College's Precision Metalworking graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
Highly resilient. Precision Metalworking careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Alexandria Technical & Community College graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
What's the typical debt for Precision Metalworking graduates from Alexandria Technical & Community College?
At $5,500 in median debt, Precision Metalworking graduates from Alexandria Technical & Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.1x is well below the trade program average.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Precision Metalworking program at Alexandria Technical & Community College?
The DOL recognizes 131 apprenticeship pathways related to Precision Metalworking. For students weighing Alexandria Technical & Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
At 164,200 annual openings, Precision Metalworking has a very large employment base. Alexandria Technical & Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →