Precision Metal Working at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Harriman

Harriman, TN · Public · Certificate

a compact campus enrolling 265 students in Harriman, TN.

Program Analysis

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Harriman's Precision Metal Working graduates start at $30,924/yr, trailing the $36,869 national average by 16%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 9% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

Ranked #301 of 355 Precision Metal Working programs, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Harriman falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Precision Metal Working offers 131 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
48
Score
49
High End
Earnings $30,924/yr (-16% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$355K
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 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 Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Harriman

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metal Working at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Harriman?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Precision Metal Working programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
How safe is Precision Metal Working from automation?
Highly resilient. Precision Metal Working careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Why are Precision Metal Working earnings lower at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Harriman?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Can I learn Precision Metal Working through an apprenticeship instead?
Yes — 131 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Precision Metal Working career paths, including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
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 →