Precision Metalworking at Palm Beach State College

Lake Worth, FL · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

serving a student body of 20,532 in Lake Worth, FL.

Program Analysis

At $41,518 per year, Precision Metalworking graduates from Palm Beach State College earn slightly above the $36,869 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 162.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metalworking programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Precision Metalworking'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.

Ranked #20 of 355 programs, Palm Beach State College's Precision Metalworking program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Earnings grow from $41,518 to $50,639 over five years — a 22% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

Precision Metalworking offers 131 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
69
Low End
70
Score
71
High End
Earnings $41,518/yr (13% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$524K
5.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
171.9x
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)
$3,050
Out-of-state: $10,910
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,639
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

Precision Metalworking opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Palm Beach State College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 70/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Palm Beach State College?
A score of 70/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Palm Beach State College's Precision Metalworking graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
Precision Metalworking rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 13% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Palm Beach State College?
Yes — 131 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Precision Metalworking career paths, including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Palm Beach State College.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
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 →