Precision Metal Working at State Technical College of Missouri

State Technical College of Missouri's Precision Metal Working program delivers something increasingly rare: good earnings with minimal debt. Graduates start at $47,325 and climb to $50,656 by year four—outperforming the national median by nearly $6,000 initially. The $11,474 in typical debt means graduates owe less than three months' salary, creating immediate financial breathing room. Among Missouri's dozen precision metal working programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, matching or exceeding what Ranken Technical College delivers while keeping debt lower than the state median.

The 7% earnings growth through year four isn't spectacular, but it's steady and upward in a field where mastering your craft tends to pay off through overtime opportunities and specialized skills rather than dramatic salary jumps. At roughly 0.24 times first-year earnings, the debt burden is manageable enough that graduates can realistically pursue homeownership or other financial goals in their twenties rather than their thirties.

For families considering trade programs, this represents a solid foundation. Your child can enter a skilled trade with less debt than many community college graduates while earning above-average wages from day one. The moderate sample size suggests this is an established program with consistent placement, not a flash-in-the-pan offering. It won't make anyone wealthy, but it offers reliable entry into manufacturing work that still exists in Missouri.