Precision Metal Working at Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN · Private for-profit · Certificate

with a smaller student body of 3,667 in Chattanooga, TN.

Program Analysis

At $30,105 per year, Precision Metal Working graduates from Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga earn below the $36,869 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Some AI exposure exists in Precision Metal Working's career paths, with 13% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 27% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $13,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #304 of 355 Precision Metal Working programs, Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $30,105 to $40,658 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
48
Score
48
High End
Earnings $30,105/yr (-18% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$432K
7.8% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,658
35% 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 Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga's Precision Metal Working program score?
A score of 48/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Precision Metal Working. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
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.
Can you still earn well with Precision Metal Working from Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga?
Starting salary is one data point. If Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Can I learn Precision Metal Working through an apprenticeship instead?
There are 131 registered apprenticeships connected to Precision Metal Working occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Is there demand for Precision Metal Working workers?
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 →