Precision Metalworking at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens

Athens, TN · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 365 in Athens, TN.

Program Analysis

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens's Precision Metalworking program produces graduates earning $35,913/yr — within striking distance of the $36,869 national average for this trade.

Career paths for Precision Metalworking carry above-average AI exposure (13% of tasks). The 31% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

A #254 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 41% earnings increase from $35,913 to $50,465 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.

51 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
51
Score
52
High End
Earnings $35,913/yr (-3% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$542K
8.9% 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.

Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,465
41% 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 Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens and 354 other schools.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens's Precision Metalworking program score?
At 51/100, the score looks reasonable — but Precision Metalworking is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Is Precision Metalworking from Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens a future-proof career choice?
Highly resilient. Precision Metalworking careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
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.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metalworking offers a very large employment pool. Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens graduates enter a market shaped by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →