Precision Metalworking at Hawkeye Community College
a compact campus enrolling 2,528 students in Waterloo, IA.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $45,509/yr, edging above the $36,869 national average for Precision Metalworking — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.
With a 86.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Precision Metalworking career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
At $6,800 in median debt against $45,509 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
Hawkeye Community College ranks #42 among 355 Precision Metalworking programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 23% earnings increase from $45,509 to $55,933 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.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
Precision Metalworking Career Guide
Precision Metalworking opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.