Precision Metalworking at Western Iowa Tech Community College

Sioux City, IA · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a smaller institution with 2,589 students in Sioux City, IA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,613/yr, edging above the $36,869 national average for Precision Metalworking — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

The 91.5x 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.

Ranked #58 out of 355 programs, Western Iowa Tech Community College's Precision Metalworking program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

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

67 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
65
Low End
67
Score
67
High End
Earnings $41,613/yr (13% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$477K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
94.6x
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)
$5,042
Out-of-state: $5,186

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

See the full career breakdown for Precision Metalworking — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Western Iowa Tech Community College and 354 other schools.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Iowa Tech Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Western Iowa Tech Community College?
A score of 67/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Precision Metalworking field.
Is Precision Metalworking from Western Iowa Tech Community College a future-proof career choice?
Highly resilient. Precision Metalworking careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Western Iowa Tech Community College graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Why does Western Iowa Tech Community College rank so high for Precision Metalworking?
Ranked #58 of 355 programs nationally, Western Iowa Tech Community College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Precision Metalworking program at Western Iowa Tech Community College?
Yes — 131 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Precision Metalworking career paths, including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Western Iowa Tech Community College.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metalworking offers a very large employment pool. Western Iowa Tech Community 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 →