Precision Metal Working at New Castle School of Trades

New Castle School of Trades' precision metalworking program starts graduates at just $29,655—landing in the 21st percentile nationally and below Pennsylvania's state median of $34,638. That initial earnings gap should matter to families weighing this investment, especially when Pennsylvania has 43 metalworking programs to choose from, with top performers like Welder Training and Testing Institute placing graduates at $47,528 right out of the gate.

The positive story here is trajectory: earnings jump 31% to $38,741 by year four, eventually reaching Pennsylvania's median for the field. Combined with modest debt of $9,378 (a 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio), graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a year or two of starting work. The school serves a predominantly working-class population—62% of students receive Pell grants—and the debt burden stays manageable for that demographic.

The tradeoff is clear: families are choosing between lower starting wages that improve over time versus programs that deliver stronger immediate earnings. If your child needs income immediately after graduation, other Pennsylvania schools offer a $10,000-$18,000 starting salary advantage. But if they can weather the first year or two at lower pay while building skills on the job, this program's debt load won't become a long-term burden. Just know you're accepting a slower financial start than many Pennsylvania alternatives provide.