Precision Metal Working at York Technical College

Rock Hill, SC · Public · Certificate

a smaller institution with 3,813 students in Rock Hill, SC.

Program Analysis

Graduates of York Technical College's Precision Metal Working program earn $50,309/yr in their first year — 36% above the $36,869 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 101.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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.

York Technical College ranks #16 among 355 Precision Metal Working programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

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

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
70
Low End
71
Score
71
High End
Earnings $50,309/yr (36% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$50K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
104.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
22 of 24
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$5,512
Out-of-state: $10,824
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,052
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

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 York Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does York Technical College's Precision Metal Working program score?
A score of 71/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. York Technical College's Precision Metal Working graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Will AI replace Precision Metal Working jobs?
Precision Metal Working rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 13% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
What makes York Technical College's Precision Metal Working program stand out?
Among 355 Precision Metal Working programs, York Technical College's #16 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Can I learn Precision Metal Working through an apprenticeship instead?
There are 131 registered apprenticeships connected to Precision Metal Working occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Precision Metal Working graduates?
With approximately 164,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Precision Metal Working offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →