Precision Metal Working at York Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
York Technical College's precision metalworking graduates start strong at over $50,000—outearning 95% of similar programs nationally and ranking among the top three in South Carolina. With debt of just $11,250, that's a 0.22 ratio, meaning graduates earn their entire debt back in less than three months. For a certificate program at a technical college, these are exceptional entry numbers that put students in immediate financial stability.
The concern here is the earnings trajectory. Four years out, median pay drops to $43,479, a 14% decline that's unusual for skilled trades. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes it hard to know if this reflects the program itself or just a few graduates who shifted careers or reduced hours. It could also reflect the volatility of manufacturing employment in the region. Still, even at the four-year mark, graduates are earning $8,500 more than the state median for this credential.
For parents of students interested in hands-on metalworking careers, this program offers strong immediate returns with manageable debt. The earnings dip over time deserves attention, but starting at $50,000 with minimal debt gives graduates flexibility to pivot or advance if needed. Among South Carolina's technical colleges for this field, York delivers the highest initial earning power.
Where York Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all precision metal working certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How York Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
York Technical College graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all precision metal working certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (16 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| York Technical College | $50,309 | $43,479 | $11,250 | 0.22 |
| Midlands Technical College | $47,556 | — | $10,500 | 0.22 |
| Spartanburg Community College | $38,147 | $36,665 | — | — |
| Florence-Darlington Technical College | $34,948 | $36,439 | $7,230 | 0.21 |
| Piedmont Technical College | $34,928 | $38,383 | $11,625 | 0.33 |
| Arclabs | $34,843 | — | $9,500 | 0.27 |
| National Median | $36,248 | — | $9,000 | 0.25 |
Other Precision Metal Working Programs in South Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midlands Technical College West Columbia | $4,788 | $47,556 | $10,500 |
| Spartanburg Community College Spartanburg | $5,046 | $38,147 | — |
| Florence-Darlington Technical College Florence | $4,636 | $34,948 | $7,230 |
| Piedmont Technical College Greenwood | $4,775 | $34,928 | $11,625 |
| Arclabs Piedmont | — | $34,843 | $9,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At York Technical College, approximately 32% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.