Precision Metalworking at Northwest Florida State College

Niceville, FL · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a smaller institution with 3,193 students in Niceville, FL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,052 track close to the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 126.6x 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 9%. Career paths for Precision Metalworking are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Ranked #56 out of 355 programs, Northwest Florida State College's Precision Metalworking program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

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

67 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
65
Low End
67
Score
67
High End
Earnings $37,052/yr (0% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$425K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
130.9x
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)
$3,246
Out-of-state: $11,625

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

What can you do with a Precision Metalworking credential from Northwest Florida State College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Northwest Florida State College?
This program scores 67/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking graduates.
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. Northwest Florida State College's score of 67/100 reflects this durability.
What makes Northwest Florida State College's Precision Metalworking program stand out?
Among 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Northwest Florida State College's #56 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking graduates?
If Northwest Florida State College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 131 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
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 →