Precision Metalworking at Gadsden State Community College

Gadsden, AL · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a smaller institution with 3,619 students in Gadsden, AL.

Program Analysis

At $41,252 per year, Precision Metalworking graduates from Gadsden State Community College earn slightly above the $36,869 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 107.0x 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 0%. Career paths for Precision Metalworking are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Ranked #39 out of 355 programs, Gadsden State Community College's Precision Metalworking program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $41,252 to $42,143 over five years (2% 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.

68 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
67
Low End
68
Score
68
High End
Earnings $41,252/yr (12% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$432K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
107.0x
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)
$4,032
Out-of-state: $7,080
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,143
2% 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Gadsden State Community College's Precision Metalworking program score?
At 68/100, Gadsden State Community College's Precision Metalworking program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Precision Metalworking from Gadsden State Community College a future-proof career choice?
Precision Metalworking rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 13% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
Why does Gadsden State Community College rank so high for Precision Metalworking?
Ranked #39 of 355 programs nationally, Gadsden State Community College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Gadsden State 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.
What's the job market like for Precision Metalworking from Gadsden State Community College?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metalworking offers a very large employment pool. Gadsden State 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 →