Precision Metalworking at Trinity Valley Community College

Athens, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Precision Metal Working

with a smaller student body of 4,793 in Athens, TX.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,123/yr, roughly in line with the $36,869 national median for Precision Metalworking. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 81.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 13% task exposure — and the 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Precision Metalworking graduates.

Ranked #118 out of 355 programs, Trinity Valley Community College's Precision Metalworking offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,123 to $44,139 shows 26% 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.

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
60
Low End
62
Score
63
High End
Earnings $35,123/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$460K
5.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
87.2x
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)
$5,280
Out-of-state: $11,940
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,139
26% 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 Trinity Valley Community 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 Trinity Valley Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Trinity Valley Community College's Precision Metalworking program score?
At 62/100, Trinity Valley Community College's Precision Metalworking program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Precision Metalworking from Trinity Valley Community College a future-proof career choice?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 13% of Precision Metalworking tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 22 of 24 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Precision Metalworking program at Trinity Valley Community College?
If Trinity Valley Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 131 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Precision Metalworking. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metalworking graduates?
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 →