Precision Metalworking at Moraine Park Technical College

Fond du Lac, WI · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 2,230 students in Fond du Lac, WI.

Program Analysis

At $41,073 per year, Precision Metalworking graduates from Moraine Park Technical College earn slightly above the $36,869 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 107.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Precision Metalworking career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

The median debt load of $3,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Moraine Park Technical College ranks #49 among 355 Precision Metalworking programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 27% earnings increase from $41,073 to $52,016 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

68 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
68
Score
69
High End
Earnings $41,073/yr (11% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$543K
6.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
115.3x
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)
$4,713
Out-of-state: $6,917
Median Debt at Graduation
$3,500
1.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,016
27% 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

See the full career breakdown for Precision Metalworking — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Moraine Park 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 Moraine Park Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 68/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Moraine Park Technical College?
A score of 68/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Precision Metalworking field.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 13% of Precision Metalworking tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 22 of 24 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
What's the typical debt for Precision Metalworking graduates from Moraine Park Technical College?
At $3,500 in median debt, Precision Metalworking graduates from Moraine Park Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.1x is well below the trade program average.
What makes Moraine Park Technical College's Precision Metalworking program stand out?
The #49 ranking out of 355 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metalworking?
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.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
The career paths mapped to Precision Metalworking have roughly 164,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →