Precision Metal Working at Arkansas Northeastern College

Blytheville, AR · Public · Certificate

with a smaller student body of 787 in Blytheville, AR.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $47,110 put Arkansas Northeastern College's Precision Metal Working program 28% above the national median of $36,869 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The 203.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

With only 13% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 9%. Career paths for Precision Metal Working are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

A #5 ranking out of 355 programs puts Arkansas Northeastern College in the top 1% for Precision Metal Working. By our composite measure, very few programs deliver stronger results.

With 131 registered apprenticeships mapped to Precision Metal Working, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

73 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
72
Low End
73
Score
74
High End
Earnings $47,110/yr (28% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$540K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
210.1x
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)
$2,570
Out-of-state: $4,250

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Precision Metal Working 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 →

About Precision Metal Working Careers

You’ll begin your career with your hands on the tools of the trade. As a welder, you could be fusing steel beams high on a construction site or meticulously joining pipes for critical infrastructure. As a machinist, you might work from complex blueprints, operating lathes and mills to craft high-tolerance parts for the aerospace or medical industries. Most paths start with an apprenticeship, learning directly from seasoned professionals on the job.

Read the full Precision Metal Working career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metal Working Overview

Precision Metal Working at Other Schools

Other Majors at Arkansas Northeastern College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Arkansas Northeastern College's Precision Metal Working program score?
A score of 73/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Arkansas Northeastern College's Precision Metal Working graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How safe is Precision Metal Working from automation?
Highly resilient. Precision Metal Working careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Is Arkansas Northeastern College one of the best schools for Precision Metal Working?
Ranked #5 of 355 programs nationally, Arkansas Northeastern College lands in the top 1%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Can I learn Precision Metal Working through an apprenticeship instead?
There are 131 registered apprenticeships connected to Precision Metal Working occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Is there demand for Precision Metal Working workers?
The career paths mapped to Precision Metal Working have roughly 164,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →