Precision Metalworking at Midlands Technical College

West Columbia, SC · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

serving 7,731 students in West Columbia, SC.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Midlands Technical College's Precision Metalworking program earn $47,556/yr in their first year — 29% above the $36,869 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 110.1x 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.

Midlands Technical College ranks #15 among 355 Precision Metalworking programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

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

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
69
Low End
71
Score
71
High End
Earnings $47,556/yr (29% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$545K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
113.9x
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)
$4,788
Out-of-state: $13,812

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

See the full career breakdown for Precision Metalworking — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Midlands Technical College and 354 other schools.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Midlands Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Midlands Technical College?
A score of 71/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Midlands Technical College's Precision Metalworking graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
Highly resilient. Precision Metalworking careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Midlands Technical College graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Is Midlands Technical College one of the best schools for Precision Metalworking?
Among 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Midlands Technical College's #15 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking graduates?
Yes — 131 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Precision Metalworking career paths, including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Midlands Technical College.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
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 →