Precision Metalworking at Waukesha County Technical College

Pewaukee, WI · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 4,497 in Pewaukee, WI.

Program Analysis

At $43,380 per year, Precision Metalworking graduates from Waukesha County Technical College earn slightly above the $36,869 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 121.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 28% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Precision Metalworking career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At #28 of 355 programs, this Precision Metalworking program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 36% earnings increase from $43,380 to $58,874 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.

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
67
Low End
70
Score
71
High End
Earnings $43,380/yr (18% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$626K
7.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
132.7x
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)
$4,720
Out-of-state: $6,996
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,874
36% 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

What can you do with a Precision Metalworking credential from Waukesha County Technical College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Waukesha County Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Waukesha County Technical College's Precision Metalworking program score?
This program scores 70/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Precision Metalworking nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Is Precision Metalworking from Waukesha County Technical College a future-proof career choice?
Precision Metalworking 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.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metalworking?
There are 131 registered apprenticeships connected to Precision Metalworking occupations, such as Cnc Operator - Milling and Cnc Operator - Milling And Turning. 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 Metalworking workers?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metalworking offers a very large employment pool. Waukesha County Technical College graduates enter a market shaped by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →