Precision Metal Working at Advanced Welding Institute

Advanced Welding Institute graduates earn significantly more than the national average for precision metal working programs—about $6,000 more in their first year. That's an 84th percentile performance nationally, placing this Vermont program well above the typical certificate in this field. The $5,077 in median debt is less than half the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.12—meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their entire debt in less than six weeks of work.

The earnings trajectory is steady rather than spectacular, growing just 4% over four years to $44,168. This is typical for skilled trades where workers hit their earning stride quickly. Vermont's precision metal working programs generally pay well (this matches the state median), and the minimal debt load makes this an accessible path for students from working-class backgrounds—40% of students here receive Pell grants.

For parents concerned about education debt, this program offers unusual peace of mind. Your child can acquire marketable welding skills with debt that's manageable on a monthly restaurant server's salary, while earning above-average wages in a field with consistent demand. The lack of earnings growth might concern those hoping for dramatic upward mobility, but the strong starting salary and minimal financial risk make this a practical choice for students seeking immediate economic stability.