Precision Metal Working at East Mississippi Community College

Scooba, MS · Public · Certificate

a compact campus enrolling 2,914 students in Scooba, MS.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,345/yr, roughly in line with the $36,869 national median for Precision Metal Working. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 111.3x 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.

AI risk is moderate — 13% task exposure — and the 22% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Precision Metal Working graduates.

With first-year pay of $35,345 far exceeding the $5,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #82 out of 355 programs, East Mississippi Community College's Precision Metal Working program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,345 to $45,084 shows 28% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

65 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
65
Score
66
High End
Earnings $35,345/yr (-4% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$472K
6.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
119.5x
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)
$3,950
Out-of-state: $6,950
Median Debt at Graduation
$5,500
1.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,084
28% growth from Year 1

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 East Mississippi Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does East Mississippi Community College's Precision Metal Working program score?
This program scores 65/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Precision Metal Working graduates.
Will AI replace Precision Metal Working jobs?
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.
How affordable is Precision Metal Working at East Mississippi Community College?
At $5,500 in median debt, Precision Metal Working graduates from East Mississippi Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Why does East Mississippi Community College rank so high for Precision Metal Working?
Ranked #82 of 355 programs nationally, East Mississippi Community College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metal Working?
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 →