Precision Metal Working at Modern Welding School
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Modern Welding School's precision metalworking certificate punches well above its weight class—graduates earn $43,246 right out of the gate, outperforming 87% of similar programs nationwide and sitting comfortably above New York's state median of $39,730. With just $6,790 in debt, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.16 means your child could realistically pay off the full cost in four months of focused payments. That's a faster path to financial stability than most four-year degrees can offer.
The earnings picture stays remarkably stable at $43,612 four years out, which is typical for skilled trades where competency matters more than tenure. While that flat trajectory might look unexciting compared to careers with dramatic growth curves, it reflects the reliable nature of precision metalworking: you develop expertise quickly, get paid well from the start, and maintain steady earning power. Nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, suggesting the school successfully serves working-class families looking for accessible training.
For a family weighing trade school options in New York, this program delivers immediate earning power at minimal financial risk. Your child enters the workforce skilled and debt-light, ready to build savings rather than spend years climbing out of loan obligations.
Where Modern Welding School Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all precision metal working certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Modern Welding School graduates compare to all programs nationally
Modern Welding School graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 87th percentile of all precision metal working certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in New York (14 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Welding School | $43,246 | $43,612 | $6,790 | 0.16 |
| Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES | $39,730 | $41,152 | $8,326 | 0.21 |
| Apex Technical School | $30,807 | $40,904 | $9,500 | 0.31 |
| National Median | $36,248 | — | $9,000 | 0.25 |
Other Precision Metal Working Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES Liverpool | — | $39,730 | $8,326 |
| Apex Technical School Long Island City | — | $30,807 | $9,500 |
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 Modern Welding School, approximately 47% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 118 graduates with reported earnings and 126 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.