Precision Metal Working at Ivy Tech Community College
one of the larger campuses at 54,926 students in Indianapolis, IN.
Program Analysis
Ivy Tech Community College's Precision Metal Working graduates start at $41,767/yr — above the $36,869 national average, though not by a wide margin.
With a 107.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 24% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Precision Metal Working career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $3,600 in median debt clears fast against $41,767 in annual earnings.
Ivy Tech Community College ranks #41 among 355 Precision Metal Working programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 30% earnings increase from $41,767 to $54,333 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
The 131 apprenticeship pathways connected to Precision Metal Working 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 Metal Working 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% |
About Precision Metal Working Careers
You’ll begin your career with your hands on the tools of the trade. As a welder, you could be fusing steel beams high on a construction site or meticulously joining pipes for critical infrastructure. As a machinist, you might work from complex blueprints, operating lathes and mills to craft high-tolerance parts for the aerospace or medical industries. Most paths start with an apprenticeship, learning directly from seasoned professionals on the job.