Precision Metalworking at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McKenzie

McKenzie, TN · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 114 in McKenzie, TN.

Program Analysis

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McKenzie's Precision Metalworking program produces graduates earning $33,649/yr — within striking distance of the $36,869 national average for this trade.

The 24% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Precision Metalworking career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #267 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McKenzie in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 31% earnings increase from $33,649 to $44,136 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.

50 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
48
Low End
50
Score
51
High End
Earnings $33,649/yr (-9% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$465K
7.0% 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.

Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,136
31% 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

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 Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McKenzie

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McKenzie?
At 50/100, 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.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 13% of Precision Metalworking tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 22 of 24 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McKenzie?
The DOL recognizes 131 apprenticeship pathways related to Precision Metalworking. For students weighing Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McKenzie's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metalworking offers a very large employment pool. Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McKenzie 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 →