Precision Metalworking at Pima Community College

Tucson, AZ · Public · Associate Degree · Precision Metal Working

serving 13,869 students in Tucson, AZ.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,132/yr, edging above the $36,869 national average for Precision Metalworking — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 100.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metalworking programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 13% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

At #54 of 355 nationally, this is a top-5% Precision Metalworking program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $48,310 are relatively flat compared to the $41,132 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

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

67 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
67
Score
68
High End
Earnings $41,132/yr (12% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$496K
4.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
104.7x
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)
$4,740
Out-of-state: $15,372
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,310
17% 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Pima Community College?
This program scores 67/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking graduates.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
For Pima Community College 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.
Is Pima Community College one of the best schools for Precision Metalworking?
Ranked #54 of 355 programs nationally, Pima Community College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Pima Community College?
If Pima Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 131 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Precision Metalworking from Pima Community College?
At 164,200 annual openings, Precision Metalworking has a very large employment base. Pima Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →