Precision Metal Working at Jefferson Community and Technical College
Associate's Degree
jefferson.kctcs.eduAnalysis
Precision metal working programs across Kentucky suggest stronger earning potential than this program's estimated $41,504 first-year salary indicates. The state median sits at $44,735, and nearby Elizabethtown Community and Technical College reports graduates earning nearly $49,000βshowing that Kentucky employers value these skills but outcomes vary considerably by institution. With Jefferson CTC's figures drawn from national peer programs rather than its own graduates, parents should recognize the uncertainty here.
The estimated $11,562 in debt translates to roughly 28 cents owed for every dollar earned in year oneβa manageable ratio by community college standards. However, the earnings gap matters more than the debt level: if Jefferson's actual outcomes track closer to the state median or top performers like Elizabethtown, this program delivers solid value. If they fall below the national benchmark, students might graduate with acceptable debt but disappointing returns compared to other Kentucky options.
Talk directly with Jefferson's career services about job placement rates and which local employers hire their precision metalworking graduates. The Kentucky labor market clearly rewards these skills, but without actual graduate data from this specific program, you're making an investment based on what similar programs produce elsewhere. If Jefferson can point to strong regional employer partnerships or placement outcomes that mirror the better-performing Kentucky programs, that gap between estimated and actual outcomes could work in your child's favor.
Where Jefferson Community and Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all precision metal working associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Precision Metal Working associates's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (11 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,706 | $41,504* | β | $11,562* | β | |
| $4,656 | $48,709* | β | β* | β | |
| $4,656 | $40,761* | β | β* | β | |
| National Median | β | $41,504* | β | $12,000* | 0.29 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with precision metal working graduates
Sheet Metal Workers
Machinists
Tool and Die Makers
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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 Jefferson Community and Technical College, approximately 29% 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 national median of 56 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.