Precision Metalworking at Front Range Community College

Westminster, CO · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

enrolling 11,132 students in Westminster, CO.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,125 track close to the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 109.9x 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 exposure is significant at 13% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

At $5,500 in median debt against $34,125 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #90 out of 355 programs, Front Range Community College's Precision Metalworking program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth from $34,125 to $55,969 over five years (64% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

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

64 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
60
Low End
64
Score
65
High End
Earnings $34,125/yr (-7% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$599K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
126.3x
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)
$4,740
Out-of-state: $16,974
Median Debt at Graduation
$5,500
1.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,969
64% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Precision Metalworking careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering skilled trades.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Front Range Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Front Range Community College's Precision Metalworking program score?
A score of 64/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Precision Metalworking field.
Is Precision Metalworking from Front Range Community 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. Front Range Community College's score of 64/100 reflects this durability.
What's the typical debt for Precision Metalworking graduates from Front Range Community College?
At $5,500 in median debt, Precision Metalworking graduates from Front Range Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Why does Front Range Community College rank so high for Precision Metalworking?
Ranked #90 of 355 programs nationally, Front Range Community College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking graduates?
If Front Range Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 131 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
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 Front Range Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in CO may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →