Precision Metalworking at Davidson-Davie Community College

Thomasville, NC · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a smaller institution with 2,454 students in Thomasville, NC.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,990 at Davidson-Davie Community College come in 8% above the national median of $36,869 for Precision Metalworking programs.

With a 224.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Precision Metalworking involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

Davidson-Davie Community College ranks #14 among 355 Precision Metalworking programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The 131 apprenticeship pathways connected to Precision Metalworking reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
69
Low End
71
Score
71
High End
Earnings $39,990/yr (8% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$458K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
231.8x
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)
$1,978
Out-of-state: $6,586

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

See the full career breakdown for Precision Metalworking — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Davidson-Davie Community College and 354 other schools.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Davidson-Davie Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 71/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Davidson-Davie Community College?
At 71/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Is Precision Metalworking from Davidson-Davie Community College a future-proof career choice?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Precision Metalworking work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Davidson-Davie Community College's score of 71/100 reflects this durability.
Why does Davidson-Davie Community College rank so high for Precision Metalworking?
Among 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Davidson-Davie Community College's #14 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Davidson-Davie Community College?
Beyond Davidson-Davie Community College'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 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 →