Precision Metalworking at Minnesota State College Southeast

Winona, MN · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 1,198 students in Winona, MN.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Minnesota State College Southeast's Precision Metalworking program earn $49,342/yr in their first year — 34% above the $36,869 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The 66.5x 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.

With only 13% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 2%. Career paths for Precision Metalworking are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

At $9,500 in median debt against $49,342 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #73 out of 355 programs, Minnesota State College Southeast's Precision Metalworking program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $49,342 to $52,462 over five years (6% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
66
Score
66
High End
Earnings $49,342/yr (34% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$529K
1.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
67.7x
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
$7,820
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
2.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,462
6% 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

Explore what Precision Metalworking graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 355 programs nationwide.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Minnesota State College Southeast

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Minnesota State College Southeast?
This program scores 66/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking graduates.
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.
How affordable is Precision Metalworking at Minnesota State College Southeast?
At $9,500 in median debt, Precision Metalworking graduates from Minnesota State College Southeast carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
What makes Minnesota State College Southeast's Precision Metalworking program stand out?
Ranked #73 of 355 programs nationally, Minnesota State College Southeast lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
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 Minnesota State College Southeast.
Will Precision Metalworking graduates from Minnesota State College Southeast find jobs?
At 164,200 annual openings, Precision Metalworking has a very large employment base. Minnesota State College Southeast graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →