Precision Metalworking at Austin Community College District

Austin, TX · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with 25,969 students enrolled in Austin, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,261 at Austin Community College District come in 6% above the national median of $36,869 for Precision Metalworking programs.

With a 190.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Precision Metalworking career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $39,261 far exceeding the $15,721 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #25 of 355 programs, this Precision Metalworking program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 27% earnings increase from $39,261 to $49,732 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
68
Low End
70
Score
71
High End
Earnings $39,261/yr (6% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$520K
6.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
203.8x
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)
$2,550
Out-of-state: $10,590
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,721
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,732
27% 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

See the full career breakdown for Precision Metalworking — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Austin Community College District and 354 other schools.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Austin Community College District

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Austin Community College District's Precision Metalworking program score?
A score of 70/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Austin Community College District's Precision Metalworking graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
For Austin Community College District graduates, AI risk is minimal. Precision Metalworking rated "AI-Proof" — 87% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Precision Metalworking program at Austin Community College District?
The DOL recognizes 131 apprenticeship pathways related to Precision Metalworking. For students weighing Austin Community College District's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
The career paths mapped to Precision Metalworking have roughly 164,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →