Precision Metal Working at Kirkwood Community College
serving 7,438 students in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Program Analysis
At $48,114 per year, Precision Metal Working graduates from Kirkwood Community College significantly outpace the $36,869 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 45.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metal Working programs nationally.
AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 12% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.
The median debt load of $12,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
At #125 of 355 Precision Metal Working programs, Kirkwood Community College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $55,889 are relatively flat compared to the $48,114 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
Precision Metal Working offers 131 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
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.