Precision Metal Working at Apex Technical School

Long Island City, NY · Private for-profit · Certificate

a smaller institution with 1,300 students in Long Island City, NY.

Program Analysis

Apex Technical School's Precision Metal Working graduates start at $30,807/yr, trailing the $36,869 national average by 16%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Some AI exposure exists in Precision Metal Working's career paths, with 13% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 25% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $9,500 in median debt clears fast against $30,807 in annual earnings.

Ranked #300 of 355 Precision Metal Working programs, Apex Technical School falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $30,807 to $40,823 over five years — a 33% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
48
Score
49
High End
Earnings $30,807/yr (-16% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$432K
7.3% 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
$9,500
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,823
33% growth from Year 1

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%
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 →

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.

Read the full Precision Metal Working career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metal Working Overview

Precision Metal Working at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metal Working at Apex Technical School?
A score of 48/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Precision Metal Working. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
How safe is Precision Metal Working from automation?
Highly resilient. Precision Metal Working careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Is Apex Technical School a good choice for Precision Metal Working despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Apex Technical School's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metal Working graduates?
Yes — 131 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Precision Metal Working career paths, including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metal Working graduates?
The career paths mapped to Precision Metal Working have roughly 164,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →