Precision Metal Working at Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences

Hohokus's precision metalworking graduates start significantly behind their peers—earning about $26,700 in year one compared to the New Jersey median of $37,249—but experience dramatic income growth that tells a more complex story. By year four, earnings jump to $47,845, representing 79% growth and actually surpassing what graduates from competing programs like Lincoln Tech-South Plainfield typically earn at that stage. Among New Jersey's ten precision metalworking programs, this still ranks only in the 25th percentile, but the trajectory matters more than the starting point.

The first-year earnings gap is substantial: graduates here earn $10,000 less than the state median right out of the gate. For a household-supporting income, that initial period will be tight. However, the low debt load of $7,600 (below both state and national medians) means graduates aren't drowning in payments while their earnings ramp up. With 65% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves lower-income families who need affordable entry points into skilled trades.

The key question is whether your child can weather those lean first couple years. If they're living at home or have financial support during the early career phase, the strong year-four earnings make this worthwhile. But if they need to be financially independent immediately after graduation, starting $10,000 below their peers presents real challenges that the eventual catch-up doesn't fully offset.