Precision Metal Working at Northwood Technical College
a compact campus enrolling 2,026 students in Rice Lake, WI.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $42,282 at Northwood Technical College come in 15% above the national median of $36,869 for Precision Metal Working programs.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 111.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metal Working programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Precision Metal Working's career paths, with 13% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 17% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $42,282 far exceeding the $5,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #51 of 355 nationally, this is a top-5% Precision Metal Working program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $42,282 to $51,373 over five years — a 22% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Precision Metal Working offers 131 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
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 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% |
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.