Precision Metalworking at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College

Bowling Green, KY · Public · Associate Degree · Precision Metal Working

a smaller institution with 2,952 students in Bowling Green, KY.

Program Analysis

At $40,761 per year, Precision Metalworking graduates from Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College earn slightly above the $36,869 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 48.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Precision Metalworking involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

A #138 ranking among 355 Precision Metalworking programs places Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

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

59 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
59
Score
59
High End
Earnings $40,761/yr (11% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$467K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
50.2x
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)
$9,312
Out-of-state: $12,384

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

Explore what Precision Metalworking graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 355 programs nationwide.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College's Precision Metalworking program score?
At 59/100, Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College's Precision Metalworking program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Will AI replace Precision Metalworking jobs?
Precision Metalworking 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 Metalworking?
The DOL recognizes 131 apprenticeship pathways related to Precision Metalworking. For students weighing Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
Job availability for Precision Metalworking is strong — 164,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College graduates specifically, local market conditions in KY may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →