Precision Metalworking at Amarillo College

Amarillo, TX · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

enrolling 7,347 students in Amarillo, TX.

Program Analysis

Amarillo College Precision Metalworking graduates command $48,263/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,869 national median. That 31% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 296.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metalworking programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Precision Metalworking's career paths, with 13% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 27% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #4 of 355 Precision Metalworking programs nationally, Amarillo College sits in the top 1% — one of the strongest programs in the country by financial outcomes.

Earnings grow from $48,263 to $65,178 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

Precision Metalworking offers 131 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

74 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
73
Low End
74
Score
75
High End
Earnings $48,263/yr (31% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$693K
7.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
324.2x
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)
$2,136
Out-of-state: $4,704
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,178
35% 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

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

Other Majors at Amarillo College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Amarillo College?
At 74/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
Highly resilient. Precision Metalworking careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Amarillo College graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Why does Amarillo College rank so high for Precision Metalworking?
The #4 ranking out of 355 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metalworking?
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 Amarillo College.
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 →