Precision Metal Working at Pueblo Community College

Pueblo Community College's Precision Metal Working program delivers exactly what skilled trades should: strong starting wages with minimal debt. Graduates land median earnings of $43,715 within a year of completing their associate degree, while carrying just $11,300 in debt—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 that makes monthly payments quite manageable. Among Colorado's ten precision metalworking programs, this one sits right at the median for both earnings and debt, meaning it represents the typical outcome for this field in the state.

The program performs modestly above national averages, landing in the 59th percentile for earnings compared to the 501 schools offering this degree nationwide. The roughly $2,200 premium over the national median might seem small, but it compounds over a career. Earnings growth is steady if unspectacular—graduates see about 4% gains by year four, reaching $45,494. That's not explosive growth, but it reflects the nature of skilled manufacturing work where experience matters but pay scales can plateau.

For families evaluating this program, the math is straightforward: you're looking at less than three months of future salary in debt for training that leads to middle-class wages right out of the gate. If your child has aptitude for precision work and isn't set on a bachelor's degree, this offers a practical path to financial independence without the debt burden that plagues many four-year programs.