Precision Metal Working at Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN · Private for-profit · Certificate

a compact campus enrolling 1,004 students in Indianapolis, IN.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,249 track close to the $36,869 national median for Precision Metal Working programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Some AI exposure exists in Precision Metal Working's career paths, with 13% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 23% gap from the optimistic case.

At $8,866 in median debt against $37,249 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #236 of 355 Precision Metal Working programs, Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $37,249 to $48,015 over five years — a 29% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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

52 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
52
Score
53
High End
Earnings $37,249/yr (1% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$504K
6.6% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$8,866
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,015
29% 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 Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metal Working at Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis?
This program scores 52/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Precision Metal Working programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
How safe is Precision Metal Working from automation?
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.
What's the typical debt for Precision Metal Working graduates from Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis?
At $8,866 in median debt, Precision Metal Working graduates from Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Can I learn Precision Metal Working through an apprenticeship instead?
Yes — 131 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Precision Metal Working career paths, including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metal Working graduates?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metal Working offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →