Precision Metalworking at Spokane Community College

Spokane, WA · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 4,114 in Spokane, WA.

Program Analysis

Spokane Community College's Precision Metalworking program produces graduates earning $35,309/yr — within striking distance of the $36,869 national average for this trade.

With a 96.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $9,102 in median debt clears fast against $35,309 in annual earnings.

A #108 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Spokane Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

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

63 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
62
Low End
63
Score
64
High End
Earnings $35,309/yr (-4% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$405K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
99.8x
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)
$4,057
Out-of-state: $5,494
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,102
3.1 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Precision Metalworking careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering skilled trades.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Spokane Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Spokane Community College's Precision Metalworking program score?
A score of 63/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Precision Metalworking field.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
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.
How affordable is Precision Metalworking at Spokane Community College?
At $9,102 in median debt, Precision Metalworking graduates from Spokane Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
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.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
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 →