Best institutions to study Precision Metal Working
Any instructional program in precision metal work not listed above.
16 U.S. institutions graduated 296 Precision Metal Working students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 48.0599, a specialization of Precision Metal Working (CIP 48.05), and leads most directly to the Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other occupation (BLS SOC 51-4199).
About Precision Metal Working programs
Any instructional program in precision metal work not listed above.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Precision Metal Working program focuses on specialized training in precision metal work, preparing students for various roles in the manufacturing sector. This program is designed for individuals interested in developing skills in metal fabrication and machining, with a curriculum that caters to both beginners and those looking to enhance their existing knowledge.
Students in the Precision Metal Working program will gain a comprehensive understanding of metalworking techniques, tools, and safety practices. Coursework typically includes hands-on training in machining, welding, and fabrication, equipping graduates with the necessary skills to excel in the field.
Credentials awarded
What Precision Metal Working graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year175 graduates / yr · 11 institutions59%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years53 graduates / yr · 6 institutions18%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years45 graduates / yr · 3 institutions15%
- Associate's degree23 graduates / yr · 4 institutions7.8%
Graduates over time
Precision Metal Working completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 195 |
| 2013 | 206 |
| 2014 | 220 |
| 2015 | 265 |
| 2016 | 348 |
| 2017 | 348 |
| 2018 | 307 |
| 2019 | 272 |
| 2020 | 232 |
| 2021 | 314 |
| 2022 | 218 |
| 2023 | 254 |
| 2024 | 340 |
| 2025 | 296 |
Top 16 institutions for Precision Metal Working, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Virginia Community College Lynchburg, VAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 101 | 45% | — | $37,281 |
| 2 | Wytheville Community College Wytheville, VAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 34 | 47% | — | — |
| 3 | Southeastern Technical Institute South Easton, MAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 28 | 74% | — | — |
| 4 | New River Community College Dublin, VAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 27 | 50% | — | — |
| 5 | Virginia Highlands Community College Abingdon, VAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 24 | 40% | — | $21,472 |
| 6 | George C Wallace State Community College - Hanceville Hanceville, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 17 | 51% | — | — |
| 7 | Danville Community College Danville, VAPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 11 | 39% | — | — |
| 8 | Tidewater Community College Norfolk, VAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 32% | — | $23,785 |
| 9 | Cisco College Cisco, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 8 | 30% | — | — |
| 10 | Southwest Virginia Community College Cedar Bluff, VAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 46% | — | — |
| 11 | Oakland Community College Auburn Hills, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 21% | — | — |
| 12 | Mesalands Community College Tucumcari, NMPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 42% | — | — |
| 13 | Delta College University Center, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 6 | 27% | — | $34,112 |
| 14 | Brightpoint Community College Chester, VAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 38% | — | $39,273 |
| 15 | Highlands College of Montana Tech Butte, MTPublicAssociate's | 3 | 45% | — | — |
| 16 | Patrick & Henry Community College Martinsville, VAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 42% | — | $37,030 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Precision Metal Working field (CIP 48.05) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 7 states
Where Precision Metal Working graduates come from. Each state links to all Precision Metal Working programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 9 | 220 | Central Virginia Community College101 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 1 | 28 | Southeastern Technical Institute28 / yr |
| Alabama | 1 | 17 | George C Wallace State Community College - Hanceville17 / yr |
| Michigan | 2 | 13 | Oakland Community College7 / yr |
| Texas | 1 | 8 | Cisco College8 / yr |
| New Mexico | 1 | 7 | Mesalands Community College7 / yr |
| Montana | 1 | 3 | Highlands College of Montana Tech3 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 51-4199, Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Precision Metal Working program can pursue careers as Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, among other roles. The job outlook indicates a decline in growth at -9.5%, with approximately 1,700 annual openings. The median wage for this occupation is $42,750, and a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 48.0599
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Otherprimary SOC 51-4199 | $45,950 | -9.5% Decline | ~1,700 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Related careers
Other Precision Metal Working specializations
The 8 other 6-digit CIP codes under Precision Metal Working (CIP 48.05).
- Welding Technology/CIP 48.0508
Welder 64,198 graduates / yr911 institutions - Machine Tool Technology/CIP 48.0501
Machinist 3,489 graduates / yr228 institutions - Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CIP 48.0510
CNC Machinist 2,248 graduates / yr166 institutions - Machine Shop Technology/CIP 48.0503
Assistant 1,542 graduates / yr87 institutions - Metal FabricatorCIP 48.0511588 graduates / yr24 institutions
- Tool and Die Technology/CIP 48.0507
Technician 423 graduates / yr35 institutions - Sheet Metal Technology/CIP 48.0506
Sheetworking 415 graduates / yr18 institutions - Ironworking/CIP 48.0509
Ironworker limited data102 graduates / yr2 institutions
Common questions
What types of credentials can I earn?+
You can earn various awards, including those lasting at least 12 weeks to less than 4 academic years, or an Associate's degree.
How many colleges offer this program?+
There are 16 colleges in the U.S. offering the Precision Metal Working program.
What is the average number of graduates per year?+
Approximately 296 students graduate from this program each year in the U.S.
What is the job outlook for careers in this field?+
The job outlook shows a decline of -9.5%, with 1,700 annual job openings.
What is the CIP code for Precision Metal Working?+
Precision Metal Working is CIP 48.0599 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Precision Metal Working (CIP 48.05). NCES defines it as: Any instructional program in precision metal work not listed above.
How many institutions offer Precision Metal Working programs?+
16 U.S. institutions reported Precision Metal Working graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 7 states, awarding 296 credentials in the year. That is 0.4% of all Precision Metal Working graduates.
How much do Precision Metal Working graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other occupation, which Precision Metal Working most directly leads to, pays a median of $45,950 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Precision Metal Working field report median earnings of $37,030 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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