Precision Metalworking at Advanced Career Institute

Visalia, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 780 students in Visalia, CA.

Program Analysis

Advanced Career Institute's Precision Metalworking program produces graduates earning $31,401/yr — within striking distance of the $36,869 national average for this trade.

With only 13% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 8%. Career paths for Precision Metalworking are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $8,023 in median debt clears fast against $31,401 in annual earnings.

At #308 out of 355 programs, Advanced Career Institute's financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $31,401 to $35,164 over five years (12% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
48
Score
49
High End
Earnings $31,401/yr (-15% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$358K
2.9% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$8,023
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,164
12% 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

Explore what Precision Metalworking graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 355 programs nationwide.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Advanced Career Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Advanced Career Institute?
A score of 48/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
For Advanced Career Institute graduates, AI risk is minimal. Precision Metalworking rated "AI-Proof" — 87% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
How affordable is Precision Metalworking at Advanced Career Institute?
Median debt of just $8,023 against $31,401/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metalworking?
The DOL recognizes 131 apprenticeship pathways related to Precision Metalworking. For students weighing Advanced Career Institute's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
At 164,200 annual openings, Precision Metalworking has a very large employment base. Advanced Career Institute graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →