Precision Metal Working at Moraine Park Technical College

Moraine Park's precision metalworking certificate costs just $7,000 and gets graduates earning $41,073 within a year—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 that ranks among the better values in technical education. That first-year salary already beats 79% of similar programs nationally, and by year four, earnings climb to $47,512. The program delivers exactly what technical certificates should: quick entry to solid-paying work with minimal debt burden.

The Wisconsin comparison tells a more nuanced story. While Moraine Park outperforms the national benchmark by $5,000, it sits at the 40th percentile statewide—meaning several Wisconsin technical colleges place their graduates into higher-paying metalworking roles. Fox Valley grads earn $53,507, and even the fifth-ranked program (Blackhawk) starts graduates at $44,698. Wisconsin's strong technical college system creates stiff competition, but Moraine Park's advantage is combining respectable earnings with rock-bottom debt.

For families prioritizing affordable skill-building over maximizing starting salary, this program works. The 16% earnings growth suggests workers gain value as they develop expertise, and the low debt means graduates aren't locked into any particular job to service loans. If your child can access Fox Valley or Chippewa Valley instead, those programs show meaningfully higher earning potential—but Moraine Park delivers workforce-ready training without financial stress.