Precision Metalworking at Florida Gateway College

Lake City, FL · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 2,231 students in Lake City, FL.

Program Analysis

At $26,950 per year, Precision Metalworking graduates from Florida Gateway College earn below the $36,869 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 96.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metalworking programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 9% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

At #149 of 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Florida Gateway College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Precision Metalworking offers 131 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

57 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
56
Low End
57
Score
58
High End
Earnings $26,950/yr (-27% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$309K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
99.7x
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)
$3,100
Out-of-state: $11,747

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 Florida Gateway 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 Florida Gateway College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Florida Gateway College's Precision Metalworking program score?
This program scores 57/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking graduates.
Is Precision Metalworking from Florida Gateway College a future-proof career choice?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Precision Metalworking work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Florida Gateway College's score of 57/100 reflects this durability.
Can you still earn well with Precision Metalworking from Florida Gateway College?
Lower starting pay at Florida Gateway College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Florida Gateway 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?
Job availability for Precision Metalworking is strong — 164,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Florida Gateway College graduates specifically, local market conditions in FL may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →