Precision Metalworking at Delgado Community College

New Orleans, LA · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

serving 11,182 students in New Orleans, LA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $32,636 track close to the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 77.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metalworking programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 9% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

At $15,000 in median debt against $32,636 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #139 of 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Delgado Community College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

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

59 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
59
Score
60
High End
Earnings $32,636/yr (-11% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$374K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
80.0x
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
$4,678
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings

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 Delgado Community College and 354 other schools.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Delgado Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Delgado Community College?
At 59/100, Delgado Community College's Precision Metalworking program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Precision Metalworking from Delgado Community College a future-proof career choice?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Precision Metalworking work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Delgado Community College's score of 59/100 reflects this durability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking graduates?
If Delgado Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 131 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
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 →