Precision Metalworking at Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest

Newbern, TN · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 681 students in Newbern, TN.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,728/yr, roughly in line with the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 20% 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 #256 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 25% earnings increase from $34,728 to $43,540 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
49
Low End
51
Score
51
High End
Earnings $34,728/yr (-6% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$454K
5.8% 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)
$43,540
25% 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

Precision Metalworking opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

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 Northwest

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 51/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest?
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.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
For Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest graduates, AI risk is minimal. Precision Metalworking rated "AI-Proof" — 87% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking graduates?
Beyond Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest's classroom route, 131 registered apprenticeships map to Precision Metalworking careers — including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
The career paths mapped to Precision Metalworking have roughly 164,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →