Precision Metal Working at Western Dakota Technical College

Western Dakota Technical College's precision metal working graduates start at $37,717—below both the national median and South Dakota's typical outcome for this trade. Among the state's two programs, this falls at the 40th percentile, while Lake Area Technical College's graduates earn nearly $6,000 more annually. The 24th percentile national ranking signals this program lags behind three-quarters of similar associate's programs nationwide. Modest earnings growth to $40,000 by year four helps close the gap somewhat, but graduates still trail typical precision metalworking outcomes.

The debt picture offers some relief: $12,000 puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.32, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans in about four months of gross income. That's manageable for a trade credential, though it's worth noting the small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes these figures less reliable than programs with larger cohorts.

**The bottom line:** If your child is set on staying in Rapid City, this program offers reasonable debt for a metalworking credential. But if location flexibility exists, Lake Area Technical College delivers significantly stronger earnings in the same field—and with South Dakota's median sitting above this program's outcomes, the in-state alternative looks worth exploring. For families prioritizing earnings potential over geography, this isn't the strongest precision metalworking investment available.