Precision Metal Working at Monroe Community College

Rochester, NY · Public · Associate Degree

with a mid-sized student body of 7,737 in Rochester, NY.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $40,155 at Monroe Community College come in 9% above the national median of $36,869 for Precision Metal Working programs.

The 40.2x 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 risk is moderate — 13% task exposure — and the 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Precision Metal Working graduates.

Ranked #165 out of 355 programs, Monroe Community College's Precision Metal Working offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $40,155 to $48,015 over five years (20% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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

56 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
55
Low End
56
Score
57
High End
Earnings $40,155/yr (9% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$495K
4.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
42.3x
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)
$11,712
Out-of-state: $21,512
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,015
20% 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 Monroe Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metal Working at Monroe Community College?
This program scores 56/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Precision Metal Working graduates.
How safe is Precision Metal Working from automation?
Precision Metal Working 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.
Can I learn Precision Metal Working through an apprenticeship instead?
Yes — 131 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Precision Metal Working career paths, including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
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 →