Precision Metal Working at Philadelphia Technician Training

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · Certificate

a smaller institution with 492 students in Philadelphia, PA.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $15,982/yr fall 57% below the $36,869 national median for Precision Metal Working. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 13% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Precision Metal Working graduates.

Median debt of $9,500 represents roughly 7 months of the $15,982 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #355 of 355 Precision Metal Working programs, Philadelphia Technician Training falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $27,840 show a 74% jump from the $15,982 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

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

39 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
37
Low End
39
Score
40
High End
Earnings $15,982/yr (-57% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$280K
12.0% 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
$9,500
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$27,840
74% growth from Year 1

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%
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 →

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.

Read the full Precision Metal Working career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metal Working Overview

Precision Metal Working at Other Schools

Other Majors at Philadelphia Technician Training

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Philadelphia Technician Training's Precision Metal Working program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Precision Metal Working. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Will AI replace Precision Metal Working jobs?
Highly resilient. Precision Metal Working careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Can you still earn well with Precision Metal Working from Philadelphia Technician Training?
Starting salary is one data point. If Philadelphia Technician Training's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metal Working?
Yes — 131 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Precision Metal Working career paths, including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
Is there demand for Precision Metal Working workers?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metal Working offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →