Precision Metal Working at Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI · Public · Associate Degree
TradeSchoolWorth Score (Base Case)
60
Optimistic
57
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings
$56,811/yr (54% vs median)
AI Risk
Low (13% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Precision Metal Working graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $901K | $536K | $439K |
| Earnings Multiple | 33.1x | 19.6x | 16.1x |
| Viable Career Paths | 22 of 24 | 22 of 24 | 21 of 24 |
| TradeSchoolWorth Score | 60 | 57 | 56 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
Program Tuition
$27,260
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,303
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$82,902
46% growth from Year 1
Career Paths
Where Precision Metal Working graduates typically work. Raw data — no blending. The scenarios above model how these factors interact. This field has roughly 164,200 combined openings per year.
| Career Path | Wage | Openings/yr | Growth | AI Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer numerically controlled tool programmers | $65,670 | 3,100 | +12.8% | 80% |
| Tool and die makers | $63,180 | 4,700 | -10.8% | 19% |
| Model makers, metal and plastic | $62,700 | 300 | -18.2% | 16% |
| Layout workers, metal and plastic | $61,870 | 500 | -5.4% | 13% |
| Sheet metal workers | $60,850 | 10,600 | +2.4% | 7% |
| Machinists | $56,150 | 29,500 | 0.0% | 23% |
| Patternmakers, metal and plastic | $54,540 | 100 | -24.4% | 15% |
| Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers | $51,000 | 45,600 | +2.2% | 9% |
Compare & Explore
Precision Metal Working Overview
Precision Metal Working at Other Schools
Other Majors at Ferris State University
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TradeSchoolWorth Score for Precision Metal Working at Ferris State University?
This program scores 57/100 in the Base Case scenario, factoring in earnings, AI disruption risk, job market size, and earnings multiple. The score ranges from 60 (optimistic) to 56 (pessimistic) depending on AI's impact.
How does AI affect Precision Metal Working career prospects?
We model three scenarios: Optimistic (no disruption), Base Case (gradual AI adoption), and Pessimistic (aggressive AI displacement). In the base case, Precision Metal Working graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths. 10-year earnings range from $439,080 (pessimistic) to $901,479 (optimistic).
How many job openings are there for Precision Metal Working graduates?
The career paths mapped to Precision Metal Working have roughly 164,200 combined job openings per year nationally, making this a very large job market.
Is Precision Metal Working at Ferris State University worth it?
In the Base Case, this program earns 19.6x its tuition over 10 years. Even in the Pessimistic scenario, the multiple is 16.1x. The spread between scenarios tells you how sensitive this trade is to AI disruption.
Data: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (earnings, debt), Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024-2034
(employment projections), OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs research (AI task exposure), Felten et al. AIOE.
Scenarios use a continuous weighting function combining AI exposure and BLS job growth projections.
"Earnings Multiple" is total 10-year projected earnings divided by tuition — not a discounted financial ROI.
Last updated 2026.