Precision Metal Working at State Technical College of Missouri

Linn, MO · Public · Associate Degree

a compact campus enrolling 2,023 students in Linn, MO.

Program Analysis

State Technical College of Missouri Precision Metal Working graduates command $47,325/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,869 national median. That 28% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 35.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metal Working programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Precision Metal Working's career paths, with 13% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 17% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $11,474 in median debt clears fast against $47,325 in annual earnings.

At #146 of 355 Precision Metal Working programs, State Technical College of Missouri scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $47,325 to $57,487 over five years — a 21% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

Precision Metal Working offers 131 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
57
Low End
58
Score
59
High End
Earnings $47,325/yr (28% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$595K
5.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
38.0x
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)
$15,660
Out-of-state: $28,200
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,474
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,487
21% 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 State Technical College of Missouri

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metal Working at State Technical College of Missouri?
A score of 58/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Precision Metal Working field.
Will AI replace Precision Metal Working jobs?
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.
How affordable is Precision Metal Working at State Technical College of Missouri?
At $11,474 in median debt, Precision Metal Working graduates from State Technical College of Missouri carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metal Working graduates?
There are 131 registered apprenticeships connected to Precision Metal Working occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metal Working graduates?
The career paths mapped to Precision Metal Working have roughly 164,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →