Precision Metal Working at Lakeshore Technical College

Cleveland, WI · Public · Certificate

with a smaller student body of 1,838 in Cleveland, WI.

Program Analysis

At $48,619 per year, Precision Metal Working graduates from Lakeshore Technical College significantly outpace the $36,869 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 109.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Precision Metal Working involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

Lakeshore Technical College ranks #17 among 355 Precision Metal Working programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $48,619 to $48,783 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 131 apprenticeship pathways connected to Precision Metal Working reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
70
Low End
71
Score
71
High End
Earnings $48,619/yr (32% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$509K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
109.4x
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)
$4,649
Out-of-state: $6,842
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,783
0% growth from Year 1

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%
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 →

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.

Read the full Precision Metal Working career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metal Working Overview

Precision Metal Working at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lakeshore Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Lakeshore Technical College's Precision Metal Working program score?
This program scores 71/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Precision Metal Working nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Precision Metal Working jobs?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Precision Metal Working work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Our model rates it "AI-Proof" overall.
Is Lakeshore Technical College one of the best schools for Precision Metal Working?
Among 355 Precision Metal Working programs, Lakeshore Technical College's #17 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metal Working?
Precision Metal Working connects to 131 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metal Working graduates?
The career paths mapped to Precision Metal Working have roughly 164,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →