Precision Metal Working at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson

Jackson, TN · Public · Certificate

a compact campus enrolling 543 students in Jackson, TN.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $43,864 at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson come in 19% above the national median of $36,869 for Precision Metal Working programs.

The 4% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Precision Metal Working involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

A #167 ranking among 355 Precision Metal Working programs places Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $43,864 to $47,215 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

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

56 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
54
Low End
56
Score
56
High End
Earnings $43,864/yr (19% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$477K
1.9% 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.

Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,215
8% 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 Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson's Precision Metal Working program score?
This program scores 56/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Precision Metal Working graduates.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metal Working?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Precision Metal Working work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Our model rates it "AI-Proof" overall.
Can I learn Precision Metal Working through an apprenticeship instead?
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.
Is there demand for Precision Metal Working workers?
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 →