Precision Metal Working at University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College

North Little Rock, AR · Public · Certificate

with a smaller student body of 3,791 in North Little Rock, AR.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,579 place University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College below the $36,869 national median for Precision Metal Working — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 60.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Precision Metal Working involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

A #233 ranking among 355 Precision Metal Working programs places University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The 131 apprenticeship pathways connected to Precision Metal Working reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

52 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
52
Score
53
High End
Earnings $26,579/yr (-28% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$305K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
62.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
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.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,848
Out-of-state: $7,248

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 University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metal Working at University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College?
At 52/100, the score looks reasonable — but Precision Metal Working is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How safe is Precision Metal Working from automation?
Precision Metal Working rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 13% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
Is University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College a good choice for Precision Metal Working despite lower starting pay?
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.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metal Working?
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.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metal Working graduates?
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 →