Precision Metalworking at Delta College

University Center, MI · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

enrolling 6,061 students in University Center, MI.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,112 track close to the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 84.1x 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 12%. Career paths for Precision Metalworking are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Ranked #126 out of 355 programs, Delta College's Precision Metalworking offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $34,112 to $39,721 over five years (16% 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.

61 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
60
Low End
61
Score
62
High End
Earnings $34,112/yr (-7% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$407K
3.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
87.8x
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)
$4,640
Out-of-state: $7,550
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,721
16% 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 Delta 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 Delta College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Delta College's Precision Metalworking program score?
A score of 61/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Precision Metalworking field.
Is Precision Metalworking from Delta College a future-proof career choice?
Highly resilient. Precision Metalworking careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Delta College graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Delta 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 Delta College.
What's the job market like for Precision Metalworking from Delta College?
Job availability for Precision Metalworking is strong — 164,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Delta College graduates specifically, local market conditions in MI may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →