Precision Metalworking at Olney Central College

Olney, IL · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 549 in Olney, IL.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $30,893/yr fall 16% below the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 78.0x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

With only 13% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 9%. Career paths for Precision Metalworking are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Ranked #143 out of 355 programs, Olney Central College's Precision Metalworking offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

With 131 registered apprenticeships mapped to Precision Metalworking, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
57
Low End
58
Score
59
High End
Earnings $30,893/yr (-16% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$354K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
80.7x
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)
$4,390
Out-of-state: $12,340

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 Olney Central College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Olney Central College?
This program scores 58/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking graduates.
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. Olney Central College graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Is Olney Central College a good choice for Precision Metalworking despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Olney Central College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Can I learn Precision Metalworking through an apprenticeship instead of Olney Central College?
Beyond Olney Central 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.
What's the job market like for Precision Metalworking from Olney Central College?
Job availability for Precision Metalworking is strong — 164,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Olney Central College graduates specifically, local market conditions in IL may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →