Precision Metalworking at Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen

Harlingen, TX · Private for-profit · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a compact campus enrolling 437 students in Harlingen, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $25,077 place Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen below the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

AI risk is moderate — 13% task exposure — and the 24% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Precision Metalworking graduates.

With first-year pay of $25,077 far exceeding the $7,125 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #342 out of 355 programs, Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen's financial outcomes for Precision Metalworking trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $25,077 to $32,672 shows 30% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
42
Low End
44
Score
44
High End
Earnings $25,077/yr (-32% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$344K
6.8% 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
$7,125
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,672
30% 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

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 Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Precision Metalworking programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metalworking?
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.
What's the typical debt for Precision Metalworking graduates from Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen?
At $7,125 in median debt, Precision Metalworking graduates from Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Why are Precision Metalworking earnings lower at Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen?
Starting salary is one data point. If Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen'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 Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen?
Beyond Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen'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 Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen?
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 →