Precision Metal Working at White Mountains Community College
a compact campus enrolling 430 students in Berlin, NH.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $53,066 put White Mountains Community College's Precision Metal Working program 44% above the national median of $36,869 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
The 83.5x 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 Metal Working are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.
With first-year pay of $53,066 far exceeding the $9,625 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
A #36 ranking out of 355 Precision Metal Working programs nationally puts White Mountains Community College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
With 131 registered apprenticeships mapped to Precision Metal Working, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
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% |
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.