Precision Metalworking at Mid-State Technical College

Wisconsin Rapids, WI · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a smaller institution with 2,031 students in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

Program Analysis

Mid-State Technical College's Precision Metalworking program produces graduates earning $38,653/yr — within striking distance of the $36,869 national average for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 97.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metalworking programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Precision Metalworking's career paths, with 13% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 21% gap from the optimistic case.

At #79 of 355 nationally, this is a top-5% Precision Metalworking program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $38,653 to $48,741 over five years — a 26% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
66
Score
67
High End
Earnings $38,653/yr (5% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$509K
6.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
104.1x
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)
$4,886
Out-of-state: $7,016
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,741
26% 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

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 Mid-State Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Precision Metalworking at Mid-State Technical College?
This program scores 66/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking graduates.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
For Mid-State Technical College graduates, AI risk is minimal. Precision Metalworking rated "AI-Proof" — 87% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
What makes Mid-State Technical College's Precision Metalworking program stand out?
Among 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Mid-State Technical College's #79 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Mid-State Technical College?
Beyond Mid-State Technical College'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?
At 164,200 annual openings, Precision Metalworking has a very large employment base. Mid-State 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 →