Precision Metalworking at Fortis College-Smyrna

Smyrna, GA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 488 students in Smyrna, GA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,899/yr, roughly in line with the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 22.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

With only 13% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 5%. Career paths for Precision Metalworking are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

With first-year pay of $31,899 far exceeding the $13,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #327 out of 355 programs, Fortis College-Smyrna's financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $31,899 to $34,564 over five years (8% 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.

46 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
46
Score
47
High End
Earnings $31,899/yr (-13% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$350K
2.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
23.4x
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
$14,929
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,564
8% 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 Fortis College-Smyrna

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 46/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Fortis College-Smyrna?
At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Precision Metalworking programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
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. Fortis College-Smyrna graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metalworking?
Beyond Fortis College-Smyrna'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?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metalworking offers a very large employment pool. Fortis College-Smyrna graduates enter a market shaped by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →