Precision Metalworking at Hennepin Technical College

Brooklyn Park, MN · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 2,827 students in Brooklyn Park, MN.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Hennepin Technical College's Precision Metalworking program earn $52,456/yr in their first year — 42% above the $36,869 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 99.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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.

Hennepin Technical College ranks #13 among 355 Precision Metalworking programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $52,456 to $59,492 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

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
70
Low End
71
Score
72
High End
Earnings $52,456/yr (42% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$607K
3.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
103.2x
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
$5,881
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,492
13% 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 Hennepin Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Hennepin Technical College's Precision Metalworking program score?
A score of 71/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Hennepin Technical College's Precision Metalworking graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Is Precision Metalworking from Hennepin Technical College a future-proof career choice?
Highly resilient. Precision Metalworking careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Hennepin Technical College graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Is Hennepin Technical College one of the best schools for Precision Metalworking?
Among 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Hennepin Technical College's #13 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
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 Hennepin Technical College.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
At 164,200 annual openings, Precision Metalworking has a very large employment base. Hennepin Technical College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →