Precision Metal Working at CET-Oxnard

CET-Oxnard's precision metal working program sits right at California's median for earnings but trails the national average by over $3,400 annually. While graduates here earn $32,817 in their first year—placing them in the 60th percentile among California programs—that same figure ranks only in the 34th percentile nationally. This gap matters because metalworking is a portable skill, and graduates competing for jobs may face wage pressure from workers trained at stronger programs. The $8,424 in median debt is manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26, but students should recognize that several California alternatives deliver substantially better outcomes. Santa Ana College and The Fab School, for instance, produce graduates earning $45,000+ with similar credential lengths.

The modest 9% earnings growth to $35,652 by year four suggests this program provides entry-level access to the field without necessarily positioning graduates for premium opportunities. For a student committed to staying local in the Oxnard area and valuing convenience over maximizing earnings potential, the low debt load makes this a relatively safe bet. However, families should seriously consider whether traveling to a higher-performing program—particularly Santa Ana, which isn't far and delivers 40% higher starting wages—might be worth the extra commute or relocation cost. The difference between $32,000 and $45,000 annually compounds quickly over a career.