Precision Metalworking at Flathead Valley Community College

Kalispell, MT · Public · Associate Degree · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 1,169 students in Kalispell, MT.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $43,711 at Flathead Valley Community College come in 19% above the national median of $36,869 for Precision Metalworking programs.

With a 51.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Precision Metalworking involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

A #127 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Flathead Valley Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

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

61 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
60
Low End
61
Score
61
High End
Earnings $43,711/yr (19% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$501K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
52.8x
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)
$9,496
Out-of-state: $22,726

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 Flathead Valley 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 Flathead Valley Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Flathead Valley Community 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.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
For Flathead Valley Community College graduates, AI risk is minimal. Precision Metalworking rated "AI-Proof" — 87% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Flathead Valley Community College?
There are 131 registered apprenticeships connected to Precision Metalworking occupations, such as Cnc Operator - Milling and Cnc Operator - Milling And Turning. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metalworking offers a very large employment pool. Flathead Valley Community College 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 →