Precision Metal Working at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville

Shelbyville, TN · Public · Certificate

with a smaller student body of 366 in Shelbyville, TN.

Program Analysis

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville's Precision Metal Working graduates start at $40,605/yr — above the $36,869 national average, though not by a wide margin.

Some AI exposure exists in Precision Metal Working's career paths, with 13% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 29% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #189 of 355 Precision Metal Working programs, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $40,605 to $55,781 over five years — a 37% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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

54 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
53
Low End
54
Score
55
High End
Earnings $40,605/yr (10% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$596K
8.3% 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)
$55,781
37% growth from Year 1

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-Shelbyville

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metal Working at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville?
This program scores 54/100 — 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?
There are 131 registered apprenticeships connected to Precision Metal Working occupations. 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 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 →