Precision Metalworking at Kennebec Valley Community College

Fairfield, ME · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 1,538 students in Fairfield, ME.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,884 at Kennebec Valley Community College come in 5% above the national median of $36,869 for Precision Metalworking programs.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 121.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metalworking programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 9% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

At #61 of 355 nationally, this is a top-5% Precision Metalworking program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

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
66
Low End
67
Score
68
High End
Earnings $38,884/yr (5% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$446K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
125.1x
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)
$3,562
Out-of-state: $6,442

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 Kennebec Valley 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 Kennebec Valley Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 67/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Kennebec Valley Community College?
This program scores 67/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking graduates.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
For Kennebec Valley 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.
Is Kennebec Valley Community College one of the best schools for Precision Metalworking?
Ranked #61 of 355 programs nationally, Kennebec Valley Community College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Precision Metalworking program at Kennebec Valley Community College?
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.
What's the job market like for Precision Metalworking from Kennebec Valley Community College?
The career paths mapped to Precision Metalworking have roughly 164,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →