Precision Metalworking at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Fennimore, WI · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a smaller institution with 1,277 students in Fennimore, WI.

Program Analysis

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's Precision Metalworking program produces graduates earning $35,167/yr — within striking distance of the $36,869 national average for this trade.

With a 105.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Precision Metalworking carry above-average AI exposure (13% of tasks). The 36% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $4,000 in median debt clears fast against $35,167 in annual earnings.

A #94 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 49% earnings increase from $35,167 to $52,227 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

64 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
61
Low End
64
Score
66
High End
Earnings $35,167/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$571K
10.4% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
119.1x
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)
$4,796
Out-of-state: $6,989
Median Debt at Graduation
$4,000
1.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,227
49% 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

See the full career breakdown for Precision Metalworking — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Southwest Wisconsin Technical 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 Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?
A score of 64/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Precision Metalworking field.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
For Southwest Wisconsin Technical 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.
How affordable is Precision Metalworking at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?
At $4,000 in median debt, Precision Metalworking graduates from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.1x is well below the trade program average.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Precision Metalworking program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?
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.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
At 164,200 annual openings, Precision Metalworking has a very large employment base. Southwest Wisconsin Technical 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 →