Precision Metal Working at Gateway Technical College

Gateway Technical College's precision metal working certificate lands solidly in the middle of the pack—better than most programs nationally, but trailing other Wisconsin options. Starting at $38,659 puts graduates in the 66th percentile nationally, though that same salary ranks in just the 40th percentile among Wisconsin's 17 programs. Fox Valley Tech's graduates earn nearly $15,000 more right out of the gate, and several other Wisconsin technical colleges show similar advantages.

The financials are straightforward: $9,700 in debt equals just three months of first-year earnings, and graduates see consistent wage growth to $45,260 by year four. That's a 17% increase that suggests this trade rewards experience. The debt load is slightly higher than Wisconsin's $7,000 median for the program but remains manageable.

The real question is location. If Kenosha works for your family's logistics, this is a perfectly viable path into skilled manufacturing. But if you're willing to consider other Wisconsin technical colleges, the data shows you could gain $5,000-$15,000 in starting salary without necessarily taking on significantly more debt. For a certificate program, that difference accumulates quickly over a career.