Precision Metalworking at San Jacinto Community College

Pasadena, TX · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with 23,071 students enrolled in Pasadena, TX.

Program Analysis

At $42,512 per year, Precision Metalworking graduates from San Jacinto Community College earn slightly above the $36,869 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 236.6x 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 9% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

At #11 of 355 nationally, this is a top-5% Precision Metalworking program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

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

72 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
70
Low End
72
Score
73
High End
Earnings $42,512/yr (15% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$43K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
244.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
22 of 24
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$1,992
Out-of-state: $5,352
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,311
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

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

See the full career breakdown for Precision Metalworking — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from San Jacinto Community College and 354 other schools.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at San Jacinto Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 72/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at San Jacinto Community College?
At 72/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Precision Metalworking work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. San Jacinto Community College's score of 72/100 reflects this durability.
Is San Jacinto Community College one of the best schools for Precision Metalworking?
Ranked #11 of 355 programs nationally, San Jacinto Community College lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metalworking?
The DOL recognizes 131 apprenticeship pathways related to Precision Metalworking. For students weighing San Jacinto Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
At 164,200 annual openings, Precision Metalworking has a very large employment base. San Jacinto 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 →