Precision Metal Working at CET-San Diego

This program costs $8,424 to earn just under $33,000 in the first year—reasonable debt for a fast credential, but the earnings put graduates well below what skilled metal workers typically make. Nationally, precision metal working certificate holders earn a median of $36,248, meaning CET-San Diego graduates start about $3,400 behind their peers. That gap matters in an expensive city like San Diego, where that starting salary barely covers basics.

The state context reveals something interesting: CET-San Diego sits exactly at California's median for this field, ranking at the 60th percentile. That sounds decent until you see what top performers achieve—Santa Ana College graduates earn nearly $46,000, and several other California programs place students above $37,000. The 9% earnings bump by year four is modest growth, suggesting limited advancement potential without additional training or certifications.

Here's the practical question: Is this worth it? The debt is manageable at roughly three months of first-year salary, and graduates do see steady employment in metal fabrication. But in California's expensive coastal markets, $35,000 four years out is tight. If your child can access one of the stronger California programs—particularly community college options with better placement—that would deliver significantly better returns. CET-San Diego isn't a bad choice, but it's middle-of-the-pack performance in a state with clearly superior alternatives.