Precision Metalworking at Meridian Community College

Meridian, MS · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

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 Metalworking. 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 Metalworking 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 Metalworking, 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 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Precision Metalworking careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering skilled trades.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Meridian Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Meridian Community College's Precision Metalworking program score?
A score of 63/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Precision Metalworking field.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
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.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking graduates?
If Meridian 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.
What's the job market like for Precision Metalworking from Meridian Community College?
The very large job market (164,200 annual openings) works in favor of Precision Metalworking graduates. The national outlook is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →