Precision Metalworking at Southern Technical College

Orlando, FL · Private for-profit · Associate Degree · Precision Metal Working

a smaller institution with 1,686 students in Orlando, FL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,007 place Southern Technical College below the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

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.

Median debt of $20,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $31,007 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #305 of 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Southern Technical College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

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

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
48
Score
49
High End
Earnings $31,007/yr (-16% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$355K
3.0% 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
$20,000
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings

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

Other Majors at Southern Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Southern Technical College?
A score of 48/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
Highly resilient. Precision Metalworking careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Southern Technical College graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Why are Precision Metalworking earnings lower at Southern Technical College?
Lower starting pay at Southern Technical College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Southern Technical College?
Beyond Southern 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.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
Job availability for Precision Metalworking is strong — 164,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Southern Technical College graduates specifically, local market conditions in FL may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →