Precision Metal Working at Compass Career College

Hammond, LA · Private for-profit · Certificate

a smaller institution with 159 students in Hammond, LA.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $25,735/yr fall 30% below the $36,869 national median for Precision Metal Working. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With only 13% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 9%. Career paths for Precision Metal Working are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

At $7,790 in median debt against $25,735 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #341 out of 355 programs, Compass Career College's financial outcomes for Precision Metal Working trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
42
Low End
44
Score
45
High End
Earnings $25,735/yr (-30% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$295K
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
$7,790
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Precision Metal Working 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 →

About Precision Metal Working Careers

You’ll begin your career with your hands on the tools of the trade. As a welder, you could be fusing steel beams high on a construction site or meticulously joining pipes for critical infrastructure. As a machinist, you might work from complex blueprints, operating lathes and mills to craft high-tolerance parts for the aerospace or medical industries. Most paths start with an apprenticeship, learning directly from seasoned professionals on the job.

Read the full Precision Metal Working career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metal Working Overview

Precision Metal Working at Other Schools

Other Majors at Compass Career College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metal Working at Compass Career College?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Precision Metal Working. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metal Working?
Highly resilient. Precision Metal Working careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Can you still earn well with Precision Metal Working from Compass Career College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Can I learn Precision Metal Working through an apprenticeship instead?
Precision Metal Working connects to 131 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Is there demand for Precision Metal Working workers?
The career paths mapped to Precision Metal Working have roughly 164,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →