Precision Metal Working at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Alfred, NY · Public · Associate Degree

A 82% acceptance rate means SUNY College of Technology at Alfred is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 3,510 in Alfred, NY.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $42,739 at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred come in 16% above the national median of $36,869 for Precision Metal Working programs.

The 30.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 13% task exposure — and the 22% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Precision Metal Working graduates.

With first-year pay of $42,739 far exceeding the $12,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #187 out of 355 programs, SUNY College of Technology at Alfred's financial outcomes for Precision Metal Working trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $42,739 to $54,804 shows 28% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 131 registered apprenticeships mapped to Precision Metal Working, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

54 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
53
Low End
54
Score
56
High End
Earnings $42,739/yr (16% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$574K
6.4% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
32.4x
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)
$17,724
Out-of-state: $32,734
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,804
28% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Precision Metal Working 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 →

About Precision Metal Working Careers

You’ll begin your career with your hands on the tools of the trade. As a welder, you could be fusing steel beams high on a construction site or meticulously joining pipes for critical infrastructure. As a machinist, you might work from complex blueprints, operating lathes and mills to craft high-tolerance parts for the aerospace or medical industries. Most paths start with an apprenticeship, learning directly from seasoned professionals on the job.

Read the full Precision Metal Working career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metal Working Overview

Precision Metal Working at Other Schools

Other Majors at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Frequently Asked Questions

How does SUNY College of Technology at Alfred's Precision Metal Working program score?
At 54/100, the score looks reasonable — but Precision Metal Working is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Will AI replace Precision Metal Working jobs?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Precision Metal Working work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Our model rates it "AI-Proof" overall.
How affordable is Precision Metal Working at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred?
At $12,000 in median debt, Precision Metal Working graduates from SUNY College of Technology at Alfred carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Can I learn Precision Metal Working through an apprenticeship instead?
Precision Metal Working connects to 131 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Is there demand for Precision Metal Working workers?
The career paths mapped to Precision Metal Working have roughly 164,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →