Precision Metalworking at Southern Careers Institute-Pharr
a smaller institution with 629 students in Pharr, TX.
Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $25,077/yr fall 32% below the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
Some AI exposure exists in Precision Metalworking's career paths, with 13% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 24% gap from the optimistic case.
At $7,125 in median debt against $25,077 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
Ranked #340 of 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Southern Careers Institute-Pharr falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $25,077 to $32,672 over five years — a 30% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Precision Metalworking offers 131 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
Precision Metalworking Career Guide
Explore what Precision Metalworking graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 355 programs nationwide.