Precision Production

About Precision Production

Wondering whether Precision Production is worth studying? What matters is what graduates actually earn, where they end up working, and which colleges produce the most of them. Most graduates end up in this field, so it is worth knowing what Tool and Die Makers earn and how the role is projected to grow.

Welding, machining, and instrument-making. Precision trade skills with strong employer demand in manufacturing, defense contracting, and construction supply chains. Four years after finishing the degree, graduates in this field earn a national median of $47,488, per College Scorecard. You can study it at 1,030 colleges and universities across the country, so location is rarely the limiting factor. About 60,170 students complete a degree in this area every year.

Median Earnings · 1yr

$19,151

Median Earnings · 4yr

$47,488

Colleges Offering

1,030

Graduates / Year

60,170

Specializations

2

Avg Net Price / yr

$13,181

Is a Precision Production Degree Right for You?

Is the Investment Worth It?

Solid ROI. Median earnings of $47,488 after 4 years. Against an estimated $52,724 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.0 years.

How Much Do Precision Production Majors Earn?

Pay for Precision Production graduates climbs fast in the first few years out. The median start is $19,151 one year after graduation, rising to $47,488 by year four, so the early salary is not the ceiling. Source: College Scorecard, across all 1,030 US institutions offering programs in this field.

What Can You Do With a Precision Production Degree?

Career Paths for Precision Production Graduates

Studying Precision Production does not lock you into one job title. It opens 2 occupations tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from entry-level roles to senior ones, and Tool and Die Makers pays the most among them at a median $64,050 a year. Each row below adds national wages, employment levels, and the 10-year growth outlook so you can weigh the rest.

Another common path leads to what Machinists typically earn and how the field is trending.

Precision Production Specializations

Precision Production spans 4 specializations, and the choice among them will not swing your paycheck much: four-year earnings run from $47,488 to $47,488 across the whole group. Each row links to a full program profile with institution counts and annual completion data. Source: College Scorecard.

The highest-paying specialization is the cost and outcomes for a Woodworking program, which is worth a closer look before settling on the broader field.

Best Colleges for Precision Production

These are the 20 colleges that graduate the most students in Precision Production, ranked by how many completed the degree in the most recent reporting year, not by selectivity or prestige. Acceptance rate, net price, earnings, and graduation rate for each one come from College Scorecard and IPEDS.

By that measure, the list starts with the cost and admissions data for Ivy Tech Community College.

Ranked by number of Precision Production graduates per IPEDS completion data. Acceptance rate, net price, earnings, and graduation rate from College Scorecard. Read our methodology →

How Precision Production Compares to Similar Majors

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Precision Production degree, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find programs that match your profile.

Precision Production Degree: Pros & Cons

Weigh the financial trade-offs in Precision Production carefully before committing to it. The 2 strengths and 2 concerns below come from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts, so you can see exactly what is driving the caution.

Precision Production Degree: Frequently Asked Questions