Precision Metalworking

355 schools compared · Average earnings $36,870/yr

What Precision Metalworking Graduates Do

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.

With experience, you can advance to a journeyman, tackling more complex projects and seeing your wages increase. Demand is particularly strong in growing fields like welding and sheet metal work, where you might fabricate and install custom HVAC systems. While entry-level pay is solid, experienced specialists, inspectors, and those who eventually run their own shops can earn significantly more. This is a craft built on physical skill and problem-solving—work that simply can't be done from a desk or by an algorithm, securing your value in the job market.

Schools Offering
355
Avg Grad Earnings
$36,870/yr
Avg TradeSchoolOutlook Score
55/100
AI-Proof Rating
AI-Proof
83% of tasks AI-shielded
Apprenticeship Paths
131

Registered Apprenticeship Pathways

The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 131 registered apprenticeship occupations related to Precision Metalworking. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.

Apprenticeship Training Hours Type Salary RangeSalary Growth
Cnc Operator - Milling
RAPIDS 1097CB
Competency Competency $42K$48,310$61K -14.4%
Cnc Operator - Milling And Turning
RAPIDS 1094CB
Competency Competency $41K$48,620$58K -13.6%
Cnc Operator - Turning
RAPIDS 1093CB
Competency Competency $41K$48,620$58K -13.6%
Coremaker
RAPIDS 94
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $39K$45,700$51K -25.9%
Cylinder Grinder (Prt & Pub)
RAPIDS 80
10000 hrs
~5.0 yrs
Time $40K$48,970$60K -7.8%
Die Finisher
RAPIDS 114
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Die Maker (Paper Goods)
RAPIDS 654
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Die Maker, Bench, Stamping
RAPIDS 668
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Die Maker, Stamping
RAPIDS 118
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Die Maker, Trim
RAPIDS 119
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Die Making (Existing Title: Die Maker Trim)
RAPIDS **0119R
7328 hrs
~3.7 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Die Polisher (Nonfer Metal)
RAPIDS 120
2000 hrs
~1.0 yrs
Time $40K$48,970$60K -7.8%
Die Setter (Forging)
RAPIDS 121
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs
Time $41K$49,240$59K -18.9%
Die Sinker
RAPIDS 122
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Engine-Lathe Set-Up Op,Tool
RAPIDS 782
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs
Time $41K$48,620$58K -13.6%
Engine-Lathe Set-Up Operator
RAPIDS 142
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs
Time $41K$48,620$58K -13.6%
Engineering Model Maker (Inst & App)
RAPIDS 249
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $49K$62,700$79K -18.2%
Exper Mech Motor & Bikes
RAPIDS 184
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $49K$62,700$79K -18.2%
Experimental Auto (Product Engineering Layout And Assembly)
RAPIDS **0184R
7328 hrs
~3.7 yrs
Time $49K$62,700$79K -18.2%
Extruder Operator (Plastics)
RAPIDS 185
2000 hrs
~1.0 yrs
Time $39K$46,980$54K 1.2%
Fabric Worker (Existing Title: Patternmaker, All-Around) (Military Only)
RAPIDS 0857R
5920 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $48K$54,540$67K -24.4%
Fabricator-Assembler Metal Prod
RAPIDS 833
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $44K$49,900$60K -16.3%
Fastener Technologist
RAPIDS 808
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $41K$49,240$59K -18.9%
Fitter (Mach Shop)
RAPIDS 197
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs
Time $44K$49,900$60K -16.3%
Fitter I (Any Ind)
RAPIDS 189
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $44K$49,900$60K -16.3%
Fixture Maker (Light Fix)
RAPIDS 198
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs
Time $46K$56,150$65K 0.0%
Forging-Press Operator I
RAPIDS 196
2000 hrs
~1.0 yrs
Time $41K$49,240$59K -18.9%
Former, Hand (Any Ind)
RAPIDS 200
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs
Time $44K$49,900$60K -16.3%
Four-Slide-Machine Setter
RAPIDS 208
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs
Time $38K$46,060$56K -0.5%
Gear Hobber Set-Up Operator
RAPIDS 241
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $38K$46,060$56K -0.5%
Gear-Cutting-Mach Set-Up Operator
RAPIDS 234
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $38K$46,060$56K -0.5%
Gearcut-Machinist Set-Up Oper. Tool
RAPIDS 664
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $38K$46,060$56K -0.5%
Grinder I (Clock & Watch)
RAPIDS 244
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $38K$45,190$51K -12.0%
Grinder Op Tool Precision
RAPIDS 671
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $40K$48,970$60K -7.8%
Grinder Set-Up Operator, Jig
RAPIDS 635
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $38K$45,190$51K -12.0%
Grinder Set-Up Operator, Universal
RAPIDS 974
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $40K$48,970$60K -7.8%
Gunsmith
RAPIDS 229
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $38K$46,060$56K -0.5%
Hardener-Tool & Die
RAPIDS **0586R
7328 hrs
~3.7 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Heat Treater I
RAPIDS 233
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $40K$47,450$56K -12.8%
Heavy Forger
RAPIDS 947
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $41K$49,240$59K -18.9%
Instrument Maker
RAPIDS 251
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $46K$56,150$65K 0.0%
Instrument Maker & Repairer
RAPIDS 254
10000 hrs
~5.0 yrs
Time $46K$56,150$65K 0.0%
Job Molder
RAPIDS **0349R
7328 hrs
~3.7 yrs
Time $39K$45,700$51K -25.9%
Lay-Out Worker I (Any Ind)
RAPIDS 825
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $52K$61,870$77K -5.4%
Lead Burner
RAPIDS 274
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $46K$51,000$62K 2.2%
Machine Operator I
RAPIDS 511
2000 hrs
~1.0 yrs
Time $38K$46,060$56K -0.5%
Machine Set-Up Operator
RAPIDS 958
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs
Time $38K$46,060$56K -0.5%
Machine Setter (Any Ind)
RAPIDS 938
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $38K$46,060$56K -0.5%
Machine Setter (Clock)
RAPIDS 317
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $38K$46,060$56K -0.5%
Machine Setter (Mach Shop)
RAPIDS 263
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $38K$46,060$56K -0.5%
Machine Tryout Setter
RAPIDS 659
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $38K$46,060$56K -0.5%
Machinist (Alternate Title: Precision Machinist)
RAPIDS 0296CB
Competency Competency $46K$56,150$65K 0.0%
Machinist (Alternate Title: Precision Machinist) (Military Only)
RAPIDS 0296R
5920 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $46K$56,150$65K 0.0%
Machinist, Automotive
RAPIDS 294
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $46K$56,150$65K 0.0%
Machinist, Experimental
RAPIDS 295
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $46K$56,150$65K 0.0%
Machinist, Outside (Ship)
RAPIDS 300
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $46K$56,150$65K 0.0%
Maintenance Machinist
RAPIDS 306
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $46K$56,150$65K 0.0%
Maker Professional (Existing Title: Machine Operator 1)
RAPIDS 0511R
2000 hrs
~1.0 yrs
Time $38K$46,060$56K -0.5%
Metal Fabricator
RAPIDS 325
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $44K$49,900$60K -16.3%
Milling Machine Set-Up Operator
RAPIDS 334
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs
Time $42K$48,310$61K -14.4%
Mockup Builder (Aircraft)
RAPIDS 358
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $49K$62,700$79K -18.2%
Model Builder (Furn)
RAPIDS 339
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs
Time $49K$62,700$79K -18.2%
Model Maker (Auto Mfg) (Alternate Title: Model Making-Metal)
RAPIDS 491
7424 hrs
~3.7 yrs
Time $49K$62,700$79K -18.2%
Model Maker (Clock & Watch)
RAPIDS 363
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $49K$62,700$79K -18.2%
Model Maker, Firearms
RAPIDS 780
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $49K$62,700$79K -18.2%
Model Making-Metal (Existing Title: Model Maker (Auto Mfg))
RAPIDS **0491R
7328 hrs
~3.7 yrs
Time $49K$62,700$79K -18.2%
Mold Maker, Die-Cast & Plaster
RAPIDS 116
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Molder
RAPIDS 349
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $39K$45,700$51K -25.9%
Multi Operation Form Machinist Setter
RAPIDS 931
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $37K$42,750$50K -9.5%
Multi Operation-Machine Operator
RAPIDS 371
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $41K$49,240$59K -18.9%
Ornamental Metal Worker
RAPIDS 374
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $38K$46,060$56K -0.5%
Pantograph-Machine Set-Up Oper
RAPIDS 389
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs
Time $42K$48,310$61K -14.4%
Patternmaker (Metal Prod)
RAPIDS 394
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $48K$54,540$67K -24.4%
Patternmaker (Stonework)
RAPIDS 796
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $48K$54,540$67K -24.4%
Patternmaker, All-Around
RAPIDS 857
10000 hrs
~5.0 yrs
Time $48K$54,540$67K -24.4%
Patternmaker, Metal
RAPIDS 395
10000 hrs
~5.0 yrs
Time $48K$54,540$67K -24.4%
Patternmaker, Metal, Bench
RAPIDS 396
10000 hrs
~5.0 yrs
Time $48K$54,540$67K -24.4%
Patternmaker, Plastics
RAPIDS 923
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $48K$54,540$67K -24.4%
Patternmaking-Metal
RAPIDS **0395R
7328 hrs
~3.7 yrs
Time $48K$54,540$67K -24.4%
Plastic Fixture Builder
RAPIDS 843
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Plastic Tool Maker
RAPIDS 426
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Plate Shop Operator
RAPIDS 1093
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $44K$49,900$60K -16.3%
Precision Machinist (Alternate Title: Machinist)
RAPIDS 296
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $46K$56,150$65K 0.0%
Press Operator Heavy Duty
RAPIDS 928
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $38K$45,590$52K -12.1%
Press Set-Up Operator - Stamping (Alternate Title: Stamping Press Operator)
RAPIDS 0928CB
Competency Competency $38K$45,590$52K -12.1%
Prototype Model Maker
RAPIDS 846
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $49K$62,700$79K -18.2%
Rocket Motor Mechanic
RAPIDS 475
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $46K$56,150$65K 0.0%
Roll Threader Operator
RAPIDS 428
2000 hrs
~1.0 yrs
Time $42K$48,630$58K -8.3%
Sample Maker, Appliances
RAPIDS 490
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $49K$62,700$79K -18.2%
Saw Filer (Any Ind)
RAPIDS 495
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $40K$48,970$60K -7.8%
Saw Maker (Cutlery & Tools)
RAPIDS 496
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Screw-Mach Set-Up Operator
RAPIDS 502
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $41K$48,620$58K -13.6%
Screw-Mach Set-Up Operator, Single
RAPIDS 506
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $41K$48,620$58K -13.6%
Screw-Machine Operator, Multi Spin
RAPIDS 500
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $41K$48,620$58K -13.6%
Screw-Machine Operator, Single Spin
RAPIDS 444
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $41K$48,620$58K -13.6%
Sheet Metal Mechanic (Existing Title: Sheet Metal Worker) (Military Only)
RAPIDS 0510R
5920 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $47K$60,850$80K 2.4%
Sheet Metal Worker
RAPIDS 510
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $47K$60,850$80K 2.4%
Sheet Metal Worker
RAPIDS 0510HY
8000-9000 hrs Hybrid $47K$60,850$80K 2.4%
Sheet Metal Worker & Tinsmith (Existing Title: Sheet Metal Worker)
RAPIDS **0510R
7328 hrs
~3.7 yrs
Time $47K$60,850$80K 2.4%
Ship Propeller Finisher
RAPIDS 611
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $44K$49,900$60K -16.3%
Shipfitter (Existing Title: Shipfitter (Ship & Boat)) (Military Only)
RAPIDS 0643R1
5920 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $52K$61,870$77K -5.4%
Shipfitter (Ship & Boat)
RAPIDS 513
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $52K$61,870$77K -5.4%
Spinner, Hand
RAPIDS 530
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $41K$48,620$58K -13.6%
Spring Coiling Machine Set
RAPIDS 457
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $38K$45,590$52K -12.1%
Spring Maker
RAPIDS 532
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $38K$46,060$56K -0.5%
Spring-Manufacturing Set-Up Technician
RAPIDS 534
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $38K$46,060$56K -0.5%
Stone Polisher
RAPIDS 17
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $38K$45,190$51K -12.0%
Structural Metal Fabricator And Fitter
RAPIDS 0325
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $44K$49,900$60K -16.3%
Tap And Die Maker Technician
RAPIDS 559
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Template Maker
RAPIDS 567
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $48K$54,540$67K -24.4%
Template Maker, Extrusion Die
RAPIDS 123
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $48K$54,540$67K -24.4%
Test Tech (Profess & Kin)
RAPIDS 483
10000 hrs
~5.0 yrs
Time $46K$56,150$65K 0.0%
Tool And Die Maker
RAPIDS 586
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Tool And Die Maker
RAPIDS 0586R
7328 hrs
~3.7 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Tool And Die Maker (Die Manufacturer)
RAPIDS **0586R-CL
Competency Competency $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Tool And Die Maker (Die Manufacturer)
RAPIDS 0586CB
Competency Competency $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Tool Builder
RAPIDS 205
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $49K$62,700$79K -18.2%
Tool Grinder I
RAPIDS 582
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $40K$48,970$60K -7.8%
Tool Grinder Operator
RAPIDS 765
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $40K$48,970$60K -7.8%
Tool Machine Set-Up Operator
RAPIDS 588
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $38K$46,060$56K -0.5%
Tool Maker
RAPIDS **0584R
7328 hrs
~3.7 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Tool Maker
RAPIDS 584
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Tool Maker, Bench
RAPIDS 585
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $51K$63,180$77K -10.8%
Turret Lathe Set-Up Operator
RAPIDS 1021
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $41K$48,620$58K -13.6%
Welder (Existing Title: Welder, Combination) (Military Only)
RAPIDS 0622R
5920 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $46K$51,000$62K 2.2%
Welder, Arc
RAPIDS 620
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $46K$51,000$62K 2.2%
Welder, Combination
RAPIDS 622
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $46K$51,000$62K 2.2%
Welder, Combination
RAPIDS 0622CB
Competency Competency $46K$51,000$62K 2.2%
Welder-Fitter
RAPIDS 627
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs
Time $46K$51,000$62K 2.2%
Welding (Existing Title: Welder, Combination)
RAPIDS **0622R
7328 hrs
~3.7 yrs
Time $46K$51,000$62K 2.2%
Welding Machine Operator, Arc
RAPIDS 945
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs
Time $39K$47,060$56K -9.0%

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.

Best Schools for Precision Metalworking

Top 20 of 355 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and AI-proof analysis.

# School Score EarningsEarn ROI
1 Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
Bowling Green, KY
75
74–75
$58,996/yr 125.7x
2 Amarillo College
Amarillo, TX
74
73–75
$48,263/yr 304.1x
3 Aims Community College
Greeley, CO
74
73–75
$47,680/yr 227.1x
4 Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, CA
74
72–74
$45,864/yr 387.7x
5 Fox Valley Technical College
Appleton, WI
73
72–73
$53,507/yr 118.2x
6 Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
Elizabethtown, KY
73
72–74
$53,172/yr 113.2x
7 Arkansas Northeastern College
Blytheville, AR
73
72–74
$47,110/yr 182.3x
8 Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID
72
71–73
$64,581/yr 87.9x
9 St Cloud Technical and Community College
Saint Cloud, MN
72
70–73
$49,636/yr 128.6x
10 Northcentral Technical College
Wausau, WI
72
71–72
$47,718/yr 131.0x
11 North Georgia Technical College
Clarkesville, GA
72
71–73
$45,472/yr 161.8x
12 San Jacinto Community College
Pasadena, TX
72
70–73
$42,512/yr 211.4x
13 Hennepin Technical College
Brooklyn Park, MN
71
70–72
$52,456/yr 100.2x
14 York Technical College
Rock Hill, SC
71
70–71
$50,309/yr 89.8x
15 Chippewa Valley Technical College
Eau Claire, WI
71
70–72
$48,638/yr 120.0x
16 Lakeshore Technical College
Cleveland, WI
71
70–71
$48,619/yr 103.9x
17 Midlands Technical College
West Columbia, SC
71
69–71
$47,556/yr 98.3x
18 Coastal Pines Technical College
Waycross, GA
71
70–72
$43,040/yr 160.0x
19 Davidson-Davie Community College
Thomasville, NC
71
69–71
$39,990/yr 201.2x
20 Alexandria Technical & Community College
Alexandria, MN
70
69–71
$51,141/yr 97.2x

Highest Earning Precision Metalworking Programs

Schools where Precision Metalworking graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.

Best ROI for Precision Metalworking

Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Precision Metalworking.

School ROI Multiple Earnings Score
Santa Ana College 387.7x $45,864/yr 74
Amarillo College 304.1x $48,263/yr 74
Merced College 229.7x $27,541/yr 62
Aims Community College 227.1x $47,680/yr 74
Southeast New Mexico College 215.3x $27,920/yr 62
San Jacinto Community College 211.4x $42,512/yr 72
Davidson-Davie Community College 201.2x $39,990/yr 71
Austin Community College District 194.0x $39,261/yr 70
Houston Community College 190.2x $27,696/yr 62
Texarkana College 183.3x $27,807/yr 62

Related Majors

Explore similar fields of study.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the typical salary after a Precision Metalworking program?
First-year earnings for Precision Metalworking graduates average $36,870 annually, based on data from 355 programs. The range spans $15,982 at the low end to $68,852 at the top.
How safe is Precision Metalworking from automation and AI?
AI resilience for Precision Metalworking is classified as "AI-Proof." Approximately 83% of typical job tasks are hands-on — the vast majority of the daily work involves skills that current AI technology cannot perform.
Which school has the best Precision Metalworking program?
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College leads all 355 programs with a TradeSchoolOutlook Score of 75/100. Graduates earn $58,996/yr — the ranking weighs earnings, ROI, AI resilience, and job market size equally.
Do Precision Metalworking graduates get a good return on their tuition?
On average, Precision Metalworking graduates earn 85.3x their in-state tuition over 10 years. This is a strong return on investment.
Data from College Scorecard, Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034, DOL RAPIDS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →