Precision Metalworking at Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois

Springfield, IL · Private for-profit · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 1,128 students in Springfield, IL.

Program Analysis

At $31,630/yr, Precision Metalworking graduates from Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois land near the $36,869 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Precision Metalworking career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

The median debt load of $9,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

A #292 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 23% earnings increase from $31,630 to $38,902 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
49
Score
49
High End
Earnings $31,630/yr (-14% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$404K
5.3% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,902
23% 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

Precision Metalworking opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois's Precision Metalworking program score?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for Precision Metalworking. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Precision Metalworking work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois's score of 49/100 reflects this durability.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metalworking?
The DOL recognizes 131 apprenticeship pathways related to Precision Metalworking. For students weighing Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Precision Metalworking graduates from Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois find jobs?
The very large job market (164,200 annual openings) works in favor of Precision Metalworking graduates. The national outlook is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →