Precision Metalworking at Texarkana College

Texarkana, TX · Public · Certificate · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 1,609 in Texarkana, TX.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $27,807/yr fall 25% below the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 171.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Precision Metalworking programs nationally.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 13% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Precision Metalworking graduates.

At $8,896 in median debt against $27,807 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #120 of 355 Precision Metalworking programs, Texarkana College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $45,640 show a 64% jump from the $27,807 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

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

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
62
Score
63
High End
Earnings $27,807/yr (-25% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$488K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
197.1x
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)
$2,476
Out-of-state: $5,332
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,896
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,640
64% 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

See the full career breakdown for Precision Metalworking — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Texarkana College and 354 other schools.

Read the full Precision Metalworking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Precision Metalworking Overview

Precision Metalworking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Texarkana College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 62/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Precision Metalworking at Texarkana College?
A score of 62/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Precision Metalworking field.
Is Precision Metalworking from Texarkana College a future-proof career choice?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Precision Metalworking work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Texarkana College's score of 62/100 reflects this durability.
Is Texarkana College a good choice for Precision Metalworking despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Texarkana College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Precision Metalworking program at Texarkana College?
Beyond Texarkana College'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.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metalworking offers a very large employment pool. Texarkana College graduates enter a market shaped by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →