Precision Metal Working at Virginia Western Community College
a compact campus enrolling 3,777 students in Roanoke, VA.
Program Analysis
At $22,788 per year, Precision Metal Working graduates from Virginia Western Community College earn below the $36,869 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.
The 48.1x 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.
With only 13% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 9%. Career paths for Precision Metal Working are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.
At #326 out of 355 programs, Virginia Western Community College's financial outcomes for Precision Metal Working trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
With 131 registered apprenticeships mapped to Precision Metal Working, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
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.