Precision Metal Working at School of Automotive Machinists & Technology

Houston, TX · Private for-profit · Certificate

School of Automotive Machinists & Technology's 59% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a smaller student body of 102 in Houston, TX.

Program Analysis

At $43,065 per year, Precision Metal Working graduates from School of Automotive Machinists & Technology earn slightly above the $36,869 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With only 13% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 7%. Career paths for Precision Metal Working are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

The median debt load of $16,354 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

At #181 out of 355 programs, School of Automotive Machinists & Technology's financial outcomes for Precision Metal Working trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $43,065 to $47,651 over five years (11% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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

55 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
54
Low End
55
Score
56
High End
Earnings $43,065/yr (17% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$484K
2.6% 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
$16,354
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,651
11% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Precision Metal Working 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 →

About Precision Metal Working Careers

You’ll begin your career with your hands on the tools of the trade. As a welder, you could be fusing steel beams high on a construction site or meticulously joining pipes for critical infrastructure. As a machinist, you might work from complex blueprints, operating lathes and mills to craft high-tolerance parts for the aerospace or medical industries. Most paths start with an apprenticeship, learning directly from seasoned professionals on the job.

Read the full Precision Metal Working career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metal Working Overview

Precision Metal Working at Other Schools

Other Majors at School of Automotive Machinists & Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

How does School of Automotive Machinists & Technology's Precision Metal Working program score?
A score of 55/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but School of Automotive Machinists & Technology trails the majority of Precision Metal Working programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How safe is Precision Metal Working from automation?
Precision Metal Working rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 13% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metal Working?
Precision Metal Working connects to 131 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metal Working graduates?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metal Working offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →