Precision Metal Working at Lone Star College System
The Woodlands, TX · Public · Certificate
TradeSchoolWorth Score (Base Case)
67
Strong Growth
68
Base Case
68
Conservative
Earnings
$40,863/yr (11% vs median)
AI-Proof
AI-Proof (87% shielded)
Job Market
Very Large (164,200 openings/yr)
Future-Proof Earnings
Three scenarios modeling future earnings based on technology adoption rates and job market trends for Precision Metal Working graduates.
| Strong Growth Full Stability |
Base Case Moderate Changes |
Conservative Max Disruption |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $311K | $301K | $316K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 100.7x | 97.5x | 102.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 35.8x | 34.6x | 36.3x |
| Viable Career Paths | 22 of 24 | 22 of 24 | 21 of 24 |
| TradeSchoolWorth Score | 67 | 68 | 68 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as technology and market conditions evolve over time.
Program Tuition (In-State)
$3,090
Out-of-state: $8,700
Median Debt at Graduation
$3,500
1.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,599
-23% 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-Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer numerically controlled tool programmers | $65,670 | 3,100 | +12.8% | 20% |
| Tool and die makers | $63,180 | 4,700 | -10.8% | 81% |
| Model makers, metal and plastic | $62,700 | 300 | -18.2% | 84% |
| Layout workers, metal and plastic | $61,870 | 500 | -5.4% | 87% |
| Sheet metal workers | $60,850 | 10,600 | +2.4% | 93% |
| Machinists | $56,150 | 29,500 | 0.0% | 77% |
| Patternmakers, metal and plastic | $54,540 | 100 | -24.4% | 85% |
| Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers | $51,000 | 45,600 | +2.2% | 91% |
Compare & Explore
Precision Metal Working Overview
Precision Metal Working at Other Schools
Other Majors at Lone Star College System
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TradeSchoolWorth Score for Precision Metal Working at Lone Star College System?
This program scores 68/100 in the Base Case scenario, factoring in earnings, AI resilience, job market size, and earnings multiple. The score ranges from 68 (conservative) to 67 (strong growth) depending on market conditions.
How AI-proof is a career in Precision Metal Working?
We model three scenarios: Strong Growth (full career stability), Base Case (moderate changes), and Conservative (maximum disruption). In the base case, Precision Metal Working graduates retain 22 of 24 viable career paths. 10-year earnings range from $315,822 (conservative) to $311,237 (strong growth).
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 Lone Star College System worth it?
In the Base Case, this program earns 97.5x its tuition over 10 years. Even in the Conservative scenario, the multiple is 102.2x. The narrow spread between scenarios shows how stable trade careers are compared to desk jobs.
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 model earnings resilience using AI exposure data and BLS job growth projections.
"Earnings Multiple" is total 10-year projected earnings divided by tuition — not a discounted financial ROI.
Last updated 2026.