Precision Metalworking at Florence-Darlington Technical College

Florence, SC · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 2,890 in Florence, SC.

Program Analysis

Florence-Darlington Technical College's Precision Metalworking program produces graduates earning $34,948/yr — within striking distance of the $36,869 national average for this trade.

The 80.3x 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.

With only 13% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 4%. Career paths for Precision Metalworking are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $6,000 in median debt clears fast against $34,948 in annual earnings.

Ranked #128 out of 355 programs, Florence-Darlington Technical College's Precision Metalworking offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $34,948 to $37,586 over five years (8% 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
61
Low End
61
Score
62
High End
Earnings $34,948/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$380K
1.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
81.9x
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)
$4,636
Out-of-state: $6,772
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,000
2.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,586
8% 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 Florence-Darlington Technical 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Florence-Darlington Technical College?
At 61/100, Florence-Darlington Technical College's Precision Metalworking program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Precision Metalworking from Florence-Darlington Technical 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. Florence-Darlington Technical College graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
What's the typical debt for Precision Metalworking graduates from Florence-Darlington Technical College?
At $6,000 in median debt, Precision Metalworking graduates from Florence-Darlington Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Florence-Darlington Technical College?
Beyond Florence-Darlington Technical College'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.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metalworking offers a very large employment pool. Florence-Darlington Technical 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 →