Precision Metalworking at Linn-Benton Community College

Albany, OR · Public · Associate Degree · Precision Metal Working

a smaller institution with 4,807 students in Albany, OR.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $42,085/yr, edging above the $36,869 national average for Precision Metalworking — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

With a 40.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Precision Metalworking career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #153 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Linn-Benton Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 24% earnings increase from $42,085 to $51,995 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

57 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
56
Low End
57
Score
58
High End
Earnings $42,085/yr (14% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$540K
5.4% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
42.9x
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)
$12,576
Out-of-state: $27,984
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,995
24% 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 Linn-Benton 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Linn-Benton Community College's Precision Metalworking program score?
At 57/100, Linn-Benton Community College's Precision Metalworking program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
For Linn-Benton 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.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Linn-Benton Community College?
If Linn-Benton Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 131 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Will Precision Metalworking graduates from Linn-Benton Community College find jobs?
At 164,200 annual openings, Precision Metalworking has a very large employment base. Linn-Benton Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →