Precision Metalworking at Northshore Technical Community College
a compact campus enrolling 2,156 students in Lacombe, LA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $25,818 place Northshore Technical Community College below the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
With a 68.1x 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.
With first-year pay of $25,818 far exceeding the $10,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
A #206 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Northshore Technical Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The 131 apprenticeship pathways connected to Precision Metalworking reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
Precision Metalworking Career Guide
Explore what Precision Metalworking graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 355 programs nationwide.