Precision Metal Working at Tulsa Welding School-Jacksonville

This Precision Metal Working program delivers below-average earnings compared to both national and state standards. With first-year earnings of $31,821, graduates earn about $5,000 less than the national median ($36,248) and nearly $2,000 below Florida's state median ($33,687). Among Florida's 53 programs, this ranks in just the 40th percentile, meaning 60% of similar programs in the state produce better outcomes. The top Florida programs like Lively Technical College ($46,499) and Manatee Technical College ($41,602) generate significantly higher starting salaries.

The financial picture offers some reassurance with manageable debt of $9,500—only slightly above national norms but higher than Florida's typical $7,500. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 is reasonable, and graduates show solid 23% earnings growth over four years, reaching $39,102. However, even after this growth, earnings remain modest compared to what other Florida programs achieve from day one.

For parents considering this investment, the program provides affordable entry into skilled trades but underperforms relative to available alternatives within Florida. Given that stronger programs exist at similar institutions statewide, you'd be wise to compare options at technical colleges like Lively or Manatee, which deliver substantially higher starting salaries that could justify any additional costs or relocation.