Precision Metalworking at Lurleen B Wallace Community College

Andalusia, AL · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 1,122 students in Andalusia, AL.

Program Analysis

Lurleen B Wallace Community College's Precision Metalworking program produces graduates earning $32,714/yr — within striking distance of the $36,869 national average for this trade.

With a 72.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Precision Metalworking involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

A #136 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Lurleen B Wallace Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

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

59 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
59
Score
60
High End
Earnings $32,714/yr (-11% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$375K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
75.3x
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)
$4,980
Out-of-state: $8,790

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 Lurleen B Wallace Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Lurleen B Wallace Community College's Precision Metalworking program score?
At 59/100, Lurleen B Wallace 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?
Precision Metalworking rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 13% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Lurleen B Wallace Community College?
The DOL recognizes 131 apprenticeship pathways related to Precision Metalworking. For students weighing Lurleen B Wallace Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
The career paths mapped to Precision Metalworking have roughly 164,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →