Precision Metalworking at CET-Colton

Colton, CA · Private nonprofit · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 191 in Colton, CA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,817/yr, roughly in line with the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

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 18% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $32,817 far exceeding the $8,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #278 of 355 Precision Metalworking programs, CET-Colton falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $32,817 to $40,269 over five years — a 23% 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.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
48
Low End
49
Score
50
High End
Earnings $32,817/yr (-11% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$418K
5.2% 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
$8,500
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,269
23% 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

What can you do with a Precision Metalworking credential from CET-Colton? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at CET-Colton

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at CET-Colton?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for Precision Metalworking. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
Highly resilient. Precision Metalworking careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. CET-Colton graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
How affordable is Precision Metalworking at CET-Colton?
Median debt of just $8,500 against $32,817/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.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Precision Metalworking program at CET-Colton?
Beyond CET-Colton's classroom route, 131 registered apprenticeships map to Precision Metalworking careers — including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
The career paths mapped to Precision Metalworking have roughly 164,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →