Precision Metalworking at Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

one of the larger campuses at 54,926 students in Indianapolis, IN.

Program Analysis

Ivy Tech Community College's Precision Metalworking 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 Metalworking 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 Metalworking 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 Metalworking reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

68 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
68
Score
69
High End
Earnings $41,767/yr (13% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$572K
6.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
116.4x
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)
$4,912
Out-of-state: $9,465
Median Debt at Graduation
$3,600
1.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,333
30% 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 Ivy Tech Community 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 Ivy Tech Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 68/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Ivy Tech Community College?
This program scores 68/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking graduates.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
For Ivy Tech Community College 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.
What's the typical debt for Precision Metalworking graduates from Ivy Tech Community College?
Median debt of just $3,600 against $41,767/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 1 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Is Ivy Tech Community College one of the best schools for Precision Metalworking?
The #41 ranking out of 355 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking graduates?
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.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metalworking offers a very large employment pool. Ivy Tech 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 →