Precision Metal Working at Lurleen B Wallace Community College

Andalusia, AL · Public · Certificate

a compact campus enrolling 1,122 students in Andalusia, AL.

Program Analysis

Lurleen B Wallace Community College's Precision Metal Working program produces graduates earning $32,714/yr — within striking distance of the $36,869 national average for this trade.

With a 72.8x 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 Metal Working involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

A #136 ranking among 355 Precision Metal Working programs places Lurleen B Wallace Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

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

59 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
59
Score
60
High End
Earnings $32,714/yr (-11% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$375K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
75.3x
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)
$4,980
Out-of-state: $8,790

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%
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 →

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.

Read the full Precision Metal Working career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metal Working Overview

Precision Metal Working at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lurleen B Wallace Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Lurleen B Wallace Community College's Precision Metal Working program score?
At 59/100, Lurleen B Wallace Community College's Precision Metal Working program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Will AI replace Precision Metal Working jobs?
Highly resilient. Precision Metal Working careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metal Working graduates?
Precision Metal Working connects to 131 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metal Working graduates?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metal Working offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →