Precision Metalworking at Perry Technical Institute

Yakima, WA · Private nonprofit · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 973 students in Yakima, WA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,301/yr, edging above the $36,869 national average for Precision Metalworking — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

The 10% 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.

At $7,892 in median debt against $41,301 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

A #192 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Perry Technical Institute in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $41,301 to $47,070 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 131 apprenticeship pathways connected to Precision Metalworking reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

54 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
53
Low End
54
Score
55
High End
Earnings $41,301/yr (12% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$481K
3.3% 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
$7,892
2.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,070
14% 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

Explore what Precision Metalworking graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 355 programs nationwide.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Perry Technical Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 54/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Perry Technical Institute?
At 54/100, 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.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
For Perry Technical Institute graduates, AI risk is minimal. Precision Metalworking rated "AI-Proof" — 87% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
What's the typical debt for Precision Metalworking graduates from Perry Technical Institute?
At $7,892 in median debt, Precision Metalworking graduates from Perry Technical Institute carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Perry Technical Institute?
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 Perry Technical Institute.
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 →