Precision Metalworking at NTMA Training Centers of Southern California

Santa Fe Springs, CA · Private nonprofit · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 64 students in Santa Fe Springs, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,259 track close to the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

AI risk is moderate — 13% task exposure — and the 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Precision Metalworking graduates.

At $8,418 in median debt against $38,259 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #224 out of 355 programs, NTMA Training Centers of Southern California's financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $38,259 to $46,609 shows 22% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

53 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
53
Score
53
High End
Earnings $38,259/yr (4% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$483K
5.1% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$8,418
2.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,609
22% 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

What can you do with a Precision Metalworking credential from NTMA Training Centers of Southern California? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 53/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at NTMA Training Centers of Southern California?
At 53/100, the score looks reasonable — but Precision Metalworking is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How safe is Precision Metalworking from automation?
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.
How affordable is Precision Metalworking at NTMA Training Centers of Southern California?
Median debt of just $8,418 against $38,259/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Precision Metalworking program at NTMA Training Centers of Southern California?
Beyond NTMA Training Centers of Southern California's classroom route, 131 registered apprenticeships map to Precision Metalworking careers — including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
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 →