Precision Metalworking at Pennsylvania College of Technology

Williamsport, PA · Public · Associate Degree · Precision Metal Working

a smaller institution with 4,254 students in Williamsport, PA.

Program Analysis

Pennsylvania College of Technology Precision Metalworking graduates command $50,402/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,869 national median. That 37% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 17.5x 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 22% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $14,250 in median debt clears fast against $50,402 in annual earnings.

Ranked #193 of 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Pennsylvania College of Technology falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $50,402 to $64,529 over five years — a 28% 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.

54 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
52
Low End
54
Score
55
High End
Earnings $50,402/yr (37% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$676K
6.4% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
18.8x
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)
$35,880
Out-of-state: $51,360
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,250
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,529
28% 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

What can you do with a Precision Metalworking credential from Pennsylvania College of Technology? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Pennsylvania College of Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Pennsylvania College of Technology's Precision Metalworking program score?
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.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
Highly resilient. Precision Metalworking careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Pennsylvania College of Technology graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
What's the typical debt for Precision Metalworking graduates from Pennsylvania College of Technology?
Median debt of just $14,250 against $50,402/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metalworking?
There are 131 registered apprenticeships connected to Precision Metalworking occupations, such as Cnc Operator - Milling and Cnc Operator - Milling And Turning. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
What's the job market like for Precision Metalworking from Pennsylvania College of Technology?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metalworking offers a very large employment pool. Pennsylvania College of Technology graduates enter a market shaped by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →