Precision Metalworking at Laredo College

Laredo, TX · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

enrolling 5,086 students in Laredo, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,836 place Laredo College below the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 83.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metalworking programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 9% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

Ranked #190 of 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Laredo College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Precision Metalworking offers 131 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

54 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
53
Low End
54
Score
55
High End
Earnings $24,836/yr (-33% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$25K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
86.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
22 of 24
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$3,300
Out-of-state: $5,748
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$23,792
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Precision Metalworking careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering skilled trades.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Laredo College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Laredo College?
This program scores 54/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Precision Metalworking programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
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. Laredo College graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Why are Precision Metalworking earnings lower at Laredo College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Laredo College?
If Laredo College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 131 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
Job availability for Precision Metalworking is strong — 164,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Laredo College graduates specifically, local market conditions in TX may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →