Precision Metalworking at Summit College

San Bernardino, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

a smaller institution with 1,210 students in San Bernardino, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,502 track close to the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

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.

At $7,600 in median debt against $37,502 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #243 of 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Summit College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $37,502 to $50,401 over five years — a 34% 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.

52 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
52
Score
53
High End
Earnings $37,502/yr (2% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$535K
7.7% 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
$7,600
2.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,401
34% 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

What can you do with a Precision Metalworking credential from Summit College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Summit College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Summit College's Precision Metalworking program score?
At 52/100, the score looks reasonable — but Precision Metalworking is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How safe is Precision Metalworking from automation?
For Summit College graduates, AI risk is minimal. Precision Metalworking rated "AI-Proof" — 87% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
What's the typical debt for Precision Metalworking graduates from Summit College?
Median debt of just $7,600 against $37,502/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 2 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Are there apprenticeship options for Precision Metalworking?
Yes — 131 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Precision Metalworking career paths, including Cnc Operator - Milling. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Summit College.
Is there demand for Precision Metalworking workers?
At 164,200 annual openings, Precision Metalworking has a very large employment base. Summit College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →