Precision Metal Working at Western Dakota Technical College
a smaller institution with 733 students in Rapid City, SD.
Program Analysis
Western Dakota Technical College's Precision Metal Working program produces graduates earning $37,717/yr — within striking distance of the $36,869 national average for this trade.
With a 28.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Precision Metal Working career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $12,000 in median debt clears fast against $37,717 in annual earnings.
A #253 ranking among 355 Precision Metal Working programs places Western Dakota Technical College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
A 23% earnings increase from $37,717 to $46,336 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
The 131 apprenticeship pathways connected to Precision Metal Working reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
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.