Precision Metalworking at ETI School of Skilled Trades

Willowbrook, IL · Private for-profit · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 363 in Willowbrook, IL.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $31,068/yr fall 16% below the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 27% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Precision Metalworking career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $9,500 in median debt against $31,068 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

A #303 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places ETI School of Skilled Trades in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 35% earnings increase from $31,068 to $41,841 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 131 apprenticeship pathways connected to Precision Metalworking reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
48
Score
49
High End
Earnings $31,068/yr (-16% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$444K
7.7% 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
$9,500
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,841
35% 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

Explore what Precision Metalworking graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 355 programs nationwide.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at ETI School of Skilled Trades

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ETI School of Skilled Trades's Precision Metalworking program score?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Precision Metalworking programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Precision Metalworking from ETI School of Skilled Trades a future-proof career choice?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 13% of Precision Metalworking tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 22 of 24 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
Can you still earn well with Precision Metalworking from ETI School of Skilled Trades?
Starting salary is one data point. If ETI School of Skilled Trades's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metalworking?
Beyond ETI School of Skilled Trades's classroom route, 131 registered apprenticeships map to Precision Metalworking careers — including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Will Precision Metalworking graduates from ETI School of Skilled Trades find jobs?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metalworking offers a very large employment pool. ETI School of Skilled Trades graduates enter a market shaped by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →