Precision Metalworking at Bishop State Community College

Mobile, AL · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 2,100 in Mobile, AL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,688 place Bishop State Community College below the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 64.4x 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.

A #158 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Bishop State Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

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

56 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
55
Low End
56
Score
57
High End
Earnings $30,688/yr (-17% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$31K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
66.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
22 of 24
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$5,280
Out-of-state: $9,090
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$29,502
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

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

Other Majors at Bishop State Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Bishop State Community College's Precision Metalworking program score?
At 56/100, Bishop State Community College's Precision Metalworking program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Precision Metalworking work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Bishop State Community College's score of 56/100 reflects this durability.
Is Bishop State Community College a good choice for Precision Metalworking despite lower starting pay?
Lower starting pay at Bishop State Community College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Precision Metalworking program at Bishop State Community College?
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 Bishop State Community College.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
At 164,200 annual openings, Precision Metalworking has a very large employment base. Bishop State 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 →