Precision Metalworking at Lake Area Technical College
with a smaller student body of 1,710 in Watertown, SD.
Program Analysis
At $43,436 per year, Precision Metalworking graduates from Lake Area Technical College earn slightly above the $36,869 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 38.1x 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 16% gap from the optimistic case.
The median debt load of $11,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
At #156 of 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Lake Area Technical College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Earnings grow from $43,436 to $52,342 over five years — a 21% 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.
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 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% |
Precision Metalworking Career Guide
What can you do with a Precision Metalworking credential from Lake Area Technical College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.