Precision Metal Working at Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES

A straightforward path into skilled manufacturing, this program delivers exactly what its earnings suggest: steady work at solid wages, with manageable debt that graduates can realistically pay off. At $39,730 in first-year earnings against just $8,326 in debt, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21—meaning your child could theoretically pay off the entire certificate cost in about two-and-a-half months of gross wages.

The program performs respectably both statewide and nationally, landing in the 60th percentile among New York's precision metalworking programs and the 73rd percentile nationwide. While it doesn't match Modern Welding School's $43,246 first-year earnings, it significantly outperforms many vocational programs while requiring far less debt than typical associate degrees. The modest 4% earnings growth to year four ($41,152) reflects the reality of skilled trades—you earn decent money quickly, but advancement typically requires years of experience or moving into supervisory roles.

For families seeking a low-risk entry into manufacturing—particularly the 60% of students here receiving Pell grants—this certificate offers exactly what it promises: immediate employability without crushing debt. The tradeoff is limited earnings growth potential, so it works best for students who value getting to work quickly over maximizing long-term income.