Precision Metalworking at Piedmont Technical College

Greenwood, SC · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 3,988 students in Greenwood, SC.

Program Analysis

At $34,928/yr, Precision Metalworking graduates from Piedmont Technical College land near the $36,869 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 92.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 13% task exposure — and the 24% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Precision Metalworking graduates.

Ranked #103 out of 355 programs, Piedmont Technical College's Precision Metalworking offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $34,928 to $45,568 shows 30% 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.

63 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
60
Low End
63
Score
64
High End
Earnings $34,928/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$480K
6.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
100.5x
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)
$4,775
Out-of-state: $6,923
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,568
30% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Precision Metalworking careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering skilled trades.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Piedmont Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Piedmont Technical College?
A score of 63/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Precision Metalworking field.
How safe is Precision Metalworking from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Precision Metalworking work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Piedmont Technical College's score of 63/100 reflects this durability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking graduates?
Beyond Piedmont Technical College'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.
Will Precision Metalworking graduates from Piedmont Technical College find jobs?
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 →