Precision Metal Working at Meridian Community College

Meridian, MS · Public · Certificate

a smaller institution with 2,025 students in Meridian, MS.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,988/yr, roughly in line with the $36,869 national median for Precision Metal Working. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 114.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI exposure is significant at 13% of job tasks, producing a 33% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

Ranked #99 out of 355 programs, Meridian Community College's Precision Metal Working offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $31,988 to $46,339 shows 45% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 131 registered apprenticeships mapped to Precision Metal Working, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

63 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
60
Low End
63
Score
64
High End
Earnings $31,988/yr (-13% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$503K
9.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
127.9x
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)
$3,932
Out-of-state: $5,992
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,339
45% 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 Meridian Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Meridian Community College's Precision Metal Working program score?
A score of 63/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Precision Metal Working field.
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.
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?
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 →