Precision Metalworking at Southwest Technical College

Cedar City, UT · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 390 students in Cedar City, UT.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,838/yr, roughly in line with the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 9% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Precision Metalworking involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

A #261 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Southwest Technical College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The 131 apprenticeship pathways connected to Precision Metalworking reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

51 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
51
Score
52
High End
Earnings $35,838/yr (-3% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$411K
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.

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

What can you do with a Precision Metalworking credential from Southwest Technical College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Southwest Technical College?
This program scores 51/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Precision Metalworking programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
How safe is Precision Metalworking from automation?
Precision Metalworking rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 13% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking graduates?
There are 131 registered apprenticeships connected to Precision Metalworking occupations, such as Cnc Operator - Milling and Cnc Operator - Milling And Turning. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Will Precision Metalworking graduates from Southwest Technical College find jobs?
The very large job market (164,200 annual openings) works in favor of Precision Metalworking graduates. The national outlook is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →