Precision Metalworking at Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Granite Falls, MN · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 1,700 in Granite Falls, MN.

Program Analysis

Minnesota West Community and Technical College's Precision Metalworking graduates start at $42,830/yr — above the $36,869 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 73.2x 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.

Minnesota West Community and Technical College ranks #81 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.

65 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
64
Low End
65
Score
65
High End
Earnings $42,830/yr (16% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$491K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
75.7x
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 (In-State)
$6,484
Out-of-state: $12,332

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 Minnesota West Community and 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 Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Minnesota West Community and Technical College's Precision Metalworking program score?
A score of 65/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Precision Metalworking field.
How safe is Precision Metalworking from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Precision Metalworking work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Minnesota West Community and Technical College's score of 65/100 reflects this durability.
What makes Minnesota West Community and Technical College's Precision Metalworking program stand out?
Among 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Minnesota West Community and Technical College's #81 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Minnesota West Community and Technical College?
There are 131 registered apprenticeships connected to Precision Metalworking occupations, such as Cnc Operator - Milling and Cnc Operator - Milling And Turning. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
What's the job market like for Precision Metalworking from Minnesota West Community and Technical 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 →