Precision Metalworking at Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Conway, SC · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

serving 5,962 students in Conway, SC.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,002/yr, roughly in line with the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 81.9x 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.

With only 13% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 9%. Career paths for Precision Metalworking are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

With first-year pay of $33,002 far exceeding the $5,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #132 out of 355 programs, Horry-Georgetown Technical College's Precision Metalworking offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

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

60 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
60
Score
61
High End
Earnings $33,002/yr (-10% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$378K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
84.7x
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)
$4,468
Out-of-state: $8,836
Median Debt at Graduation
$5,500
2.0 months of Year 1 earnings

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 Horry-Georgetown Technical 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 Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Horry-Georgetown Technical College?
A score of 60/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Precision Metalworking field.
How safe is Precision Metalworking from automation?
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.
How affordable is Precision Metalworking at Horry-Georgetown Technical College?
At $5,500 in median debt, Precision Metalworking graduates from Horry-Georgetown Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metalworking?
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 Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
Will Precision Metalworking graduates from Horry-Georgetown Technical College find jobs?
The very large job market (164,200 annual openings) works in favor of Precision Metalworking graduates. The national outlook is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →