Precision Metalworking at Central Piedmont Community College

Charlotte, NC · Public · Associate Degree · Precision Metal Working

serving 13,640 students in Charlotte, NC.

Program Analysis

Central Piedmont Community College's Precision Metalworking graduates start at $40,149/yr — above the $36,869 national average, though not by a wide margin.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 90.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metalworking programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Precision Metalworking's career paths, with 13% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 22% gap from the optimistic case.

At #75 of 355 nationally, this is a top-5% Precision Metalworking program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $40,149 to $51,610 over five years — a 29% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
66
Score
67
High End
Earnings $40,149/yr (9% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$541K
6.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
96.9x
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)
$5,584
Out-of-state: $17,872
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,610
29% 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

What can you do with a Precision Metalworking credential from Central Piedmont Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Central Piedmont Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 66/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Central Piedmont Community College?
This program scores 66/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking graduates.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
Highly resilient. Precision Metalworking careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Central Piedmont Community College graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Why does Central Piedmont Community College rank so high for Precision Metalworking?
The #75 ranking out of 355 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metalworking?
Beyond Central Piedmont Community College's classroom route, 131 registered apprenticeships map to Precision Metalworking careers — including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Will Precision Metalworking graduates from Central Piedmont Community College find jobs?
The very large job market (164,200 annual openings) works in favor of Precision Metalworking graduates. The national outlook is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →