Precision Metal Working (Associate's Degree) at College of the Mainland

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$35,123

Est. from TX median (5 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$9,168

Est. from TX median (3 programs)

Analysis

For skilled trades work where experienced machinists and metalworkers can earn solid middle-class incomes, this program's estimated first-year earnings of $35,123 land at the Texas median—but well below the national benchmark of $41,504. Based on comparable programs in Texas, the estimated $9,168 in debt translates to a manageable 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly three months' salary. That's a reasonable starting point for a hands-on credential, though it's worth noting that top-performing Texas programs like Austin Community College District produce first-year earnings nearly 29% higher at $45,279.

The gap between these estimated outcomes and what leading programs achieve matters practically. Precision metal working is valued everywhere—manufacturers, aerospace, oil and gas—but starting $10,000 behind peers from other Texas schools means a longer climb to financial stability. Similar programs in the state suggest this path leads to stable employment, but the earnings trajectory appears flatter than at schools with stronger industry connections or more advanced equipment.

If your child is committed to metalworking and College of the Mainland offers geographic convenience or specific training they want, the low estimated debt keeps this from being a high-risk investment. However, the estimated earnings suggest checking whether nearby alternatives like Austin Community College or Texas State Technical College are accessible—their graduates' stronger outcomes could justify even a modest commute or relocation.

Where College of the Mainland Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all precision metal working associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Precision Metal Working associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (41 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
College of the MainlandTexas City	$1,773	$35,123*	—	$9,168*	—
Austin Community College DistrictAustin	$2,550	$45,279*	$48,510	$14,122*	0.31
Texas State Technical CollegeWaco	$7,192	$39,234*	$49,323	$9,168*	0.23
Trinity Valley Community CollegeAthens	$2,640	$35,123*	$45,541	—*	—
South Texas CollegeMcAllen	$4,920	$33,167*	—	—*	—
Vernon CollegeVernon	$4,080	$32,206*	$37,399	$5,500*	0.17
National Median	—	$41,504*	—	$12,000*	0.29

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with precision metal working graduates

Sheet Metal Workers

Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.

$60,850/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Machinists

Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

$57,700/yrJobs growth:

Tool and Die Makers

Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

$57,700/yrJobs growth:

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

$51,000/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend machines to extrude or draw thermoplastic or metal materials into tubes, rods, hoses, wire, bars, or structural shapes.

$46,800/yrJobs growth:

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.

$46,800/yrJobs growth:

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend machines to roll steel or plastic forming bends, beads, knurls, rolls, or plate, or to flatten, temper, or reduce gauge of material.

$46,800/yrJobs growth:

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

$46,800/yrJobs growth:

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.

$46,800/yrJobs growth:

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic work pieces.

$46,800/yrJobs growth:

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.

$46,800/yrJobs growth:

Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.

$46,800/yrJobs growth:

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At College of the Mainland, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.