Precision Metalworking at Lone Star College System

The Woodlands, TX · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with 47,486 students enrolled in The Woodlands, TX.

Program Analysis

Lone Star College System's Precision Metalworking graduates start at $40,863/yr — above the $36,869 national average, though not by a wide margin.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 146.6x 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $3,500 in median debt clears fast against $40,863 in annual earnings.

Ranked #26 of 355 programs, Lone Star College System's Precision Metalworking program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

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

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
68
Low End
70
Score
70
High End
Earnings $40,863/yr (11% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$41K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
151.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
22 of 24
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$3,090
Out-of-state: $8,700
Median Debt at Graduation
$3,500
1.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,599
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

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

Precision Metalworking opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lone Star College System

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Lone Star College System?
At 70/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 13% of Precision Metalworking tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 22 of 24 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
What's the typical debt for Precision Metalworking graduates from Lone Star College System?
Median debt of just $3,500 against $40,863/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 1 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metalworking?
The DOL recognizes 131 apprenticeship pathways related to Precision Metalworking. For students weighing Lone Star College System's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the job market like for Precision Metalworking from Lone Star College System?
Job availability for Precision Metalworking is strong — 164,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Lone Star College System graduates specifically, local market conditions in TX may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →