Precision Metalworking at Arkansas Welding Academy

Jacksonville, AR · Private for-profit · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 74 in Jacksonville, AR.

Program Analysis

Arkansas Welding Academy's Precision Metalworking program produces graduates earning $33,187/yr — within striking distance of the $36,869 national average for this trade.

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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $4,865 in median debt clears fast against $33,187 in annual earnings.

A #274 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Arkansas Welding Academy in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

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

50 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
48
Low End
50
Score
50
High End
Earnings $33,187/yr (-10% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$380K
3.0% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$4,865
1.8 months of Year 1 earnings

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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Precision Metalworking careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering skilled trades.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Arkansas Welding Academy?
At 50/100, the score looks reasonable — but Precision Metalworking is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
Precision Metalworking rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 13% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
How affordable is Precision Metalworking at Arkansas Welding Academy?
At $4,865 in median debt, Precision Metalworking graduates from Arkansas Welding Academy 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 Arkansas Welding Academy?
Yes — 131 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Precision Metalworking career paths, including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Arkansas Welding Academy.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
Job availability for Precision Metalworking is strong — 164,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Arkansas Welding Academy graduates specifically, local market conditions in AR may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →