Precision Metal Working at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McMinnville

McMinnville, TN · Public · Certificate

a smaller institution with 289 students in McMinnville, TN.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,353/yr, roughly in line with the $36,869 national median for Precision Metal Working. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With only 13% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 9%. Career paths for Precision Metal Working are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

At #268 out of 355 programs, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McMinnville's financial outcomes for Precision Metal Working trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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

50 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
48
Low End
50
Score
50
High End
Earnings $33,353/yr (-10% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$382K
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-McMinnville

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 50/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metal Working at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McMinnville?
This program scores 50/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Precision Metal Working programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metal Working?
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.
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?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metal Working offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →