Precision Metalworking at Pittsburgh Technical College

Oakdale, PA · Private nonprofit · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a smaller institution with 822 students in Oakdale, PA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,300 track close to the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 26.5x 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 27% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #252 of 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Pittsburgh Technical College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $38,300 to $51,689 over five years — a 35% 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.

51 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
49
Low End
51
Score
52
High End
Earnings $38,300/yr (4% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$549K
7.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
28.9x
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
$18,980
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,689
35% 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

See the full career breakdown for Precision Metalworking — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Pittsburgh Technical College and 354 other schools.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Pittsburgh Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 51/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Pittsburgh Technical College?
A score of 51/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Pittsburgh Technical College trails the majority of Precision Metalworking programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
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. Pittsburgh Technical College's score of 51/100 reflects this durability.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metalworking?
Beyond Pittsburgh 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?
The career paths mapped to Precision Metalworking have roughly 164,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →