Precision Metal Working at Perry Technical Institute

Perry Technical Institute's precision metalworking program gets graduates into the workforce quickly with solid starting pay of $41,301—about $5,000 above the national median for these certificates and ranking in the 80th percentile nationally. Among Washington's 24 schools offering this credential, it lands at the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms most in-state competitors. The debt load of $8,390 is reasonable, translating to just 20 cents owed for every dollar earned in that first year.

The concern here is what happens next: earnings actually drop to $38,791 by year four, a 6% decline that's unusual for skilled trades. This could reflect the region's manufacturing employment patterns or suggest graduates may need additional credentials to advance. Still, even at the four-year mark, earnings remain above what most metalworking certificate holders earn nationally, and the low debt means graduates aren't financially hamstrung if they need to pivot or pursue further training.

For parents whose kids want to work with their hands and start earning immediately, this program delivers—especially given that nearly half the students receive Pell grants, indicating it serves working-class families successfully. Just understand this is a strong entry point to manufacturing work, not necessarily a path to steadily rising wages without additional steps.