Precision Metalworking at Coastal Pines Technical College

Waycross, GA · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 1,688 in Waycross, GA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $43,040 at Coastal Pines Technical College come in 17% above the national median of $36,869 for Precision Metalworking programs.

The 158.4x 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 10%. Career paths for Precision Metalworking are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Ranked #19 out of 355 programs, Coastal Pines Technical College's Precision Metalworking program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $43,040 to $48,942 over five years (14% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
70
Low End
71
Score
72
High End
Earnings $43,040/yr (17% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$499K
3.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
164.3x
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)
$3,040
Out-of-state: $5,440
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,942
14% 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

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 Coastal Pines Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Coastal Pines Technical College?
At 71/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
How safe is Precision Metalworking from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Precision Metalworking work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Coastal Pines Technical College's score of 71/100 reflects this durability.
What makes Coastal Pines Technical College's Precision Metalworking program stand out?
Ranked #19 of 355 programs nationally, Coastal Pines Technical College lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking graduates?
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 Coastal Pines Technical College.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
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 →