Precision Metalworking at Virginia Western Community College

Roanoke, VA · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 3,777 students in Roanoke, VA.

Program Analysis

At $22,788 per year, Precision Metalworking graduates from Virginia Western Community College earn below the $36,869 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 48.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

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

At #326 out of 355 programs, Virginia Western Community College's financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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

46 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
46
Score
47
High End
Earnings $22,788/yr (-38% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$261K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
49.7x
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)
$5,256
Out-of-state: $11,259

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Virginia Western Community College's Precision Metalworking program score?
At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Precision Metalworking programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Precision Metalworking work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Virginia Western Community College's score of 46/100 reflects this durability.
Is Virginia Western Community College a good choice for Precision Metalworking despite lower starting pay?
Lower starting pay at Virginia Western Community College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metalworking?
If Virginia Western Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 131 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
The very large job market (164,200 annual openings) works in favor of Precision Metalworking graduates. The national outlook is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →