Precision Metalworking at George C Wallace State Community College-Selma

Selma, AL · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a smaller institution with 828 students in Selma, AL.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $31,092/yr fall 16% below the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 83.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 22% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Precision Metalworking career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #135 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places George C Wallace State Community College-Selma in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 29% earnings increase from $31,092 to $39,997 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

59 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
57
Low End
59
Score
60
High End
Earnings $31,092/yr (-16% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$420K
6.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
89.6x
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)
$4,680
Out-of-state: $8,490
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,997
29% 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

See the full career breakdown for Precision Metalworking — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from George C Wallace State Community College-Selma and 354 other schools.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at George C Wallace State Community College-Selma

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at George C Wallace State Community College-Selma?
This program scores 59/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking graduates.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
For George C Wallace State Community College-Selma 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.
Is George C Wallace State Community College-Selma a good choice for Precision Metalworking despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If George C Wallace State Community College-Selma's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Precision Metalworking program at George C Wallace State Community College-Selma?
Yes — 131 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Precision Metalworking career paths, including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at George C Wallace State Community College-Selma.
Will Precision Metalworking graduates from George C Wallace State Community College-Selma find jobs?
The career paths mapped to Precision Metalworking have roughly 164,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →