Precision Metalworking at Kansas City Kansas Community College

Kansas City, KS · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 3,071 in Kansas City, KS.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $36,248 track close to the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 149.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metalworking programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Precision Metalworking's career paths, with 13% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 26% gap from the optimistic case.

At #59 of 355 nationally, this is a top-5% Precision Metalworking program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $36,248 to $48,483 over five years — a 34% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

Precision Metalworking offers 131 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

67 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
65
Low End
67
Score
68
High End
Earnings $36,248/yr (-2% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$514K
7.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
163.1x
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)
$3,150
Out-of-state: $6,720
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,483
34% 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

What can you do with a Precision Metalworking credential from Kansas City Kansas Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Kansas City Kansas Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Kansas City Kansas Community College?
A score of 67/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Precision Metalworking field.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
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.
Why does Kansas City Kansas Community College rank so high for Precision Metalworking?
Among 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Kansas City Kansas Community College's #59 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metalworking?
The DOL recognizes 131 apprenticeship pathways related to Precision Metalworking. For students weighing Kansas City Kansas Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metalworking offers a very large employment pool. Kansas City Kansas 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 →