TRADES Specialization

Precision Production

Precision Production graduates pursue 2 occupations, with top roles paying $64,050/yr or more. The career cards below break down wages, daily tasks, and 10-year job growth projections for each.

About Precision Production

This page covers Precision Production as a course of study: what it costs, where it is taught, and what graduates go on to earn. It sits inside the wider field of Precision Production and how it pays overall, which is the better comparison if you are still choosing between subjects.

Precision Production is a specialized field of study. You will not have trouble finding it: 17 colleges offer this program, from community colleges to research universities. About 104 students complete it each year, most walking away with a associate's. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.


Colleges Offering
17
Graduates / Year
104
Avg Net Price / yr
$7,485

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 104 students who complete Precision Production programs each year, the majority (60%) earn a associate's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Associate's 60%
Certificate 40%

What Can You Do With a Precision Production Degree?

This degree does not lock you into one job. Precision Production graduates show up in 2 different occupations, and Tool and Die Makers pay the most at $64,050/yr median. Expand any card below to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

The best-paid of these is what Tool and Die Makers earn and how fast those roles are growing, though entry requirements vary across the list.

↘ -9.2%
$64,050
$51K $79K 25th–75th pct.
Postsecondary nondegree award 4,300 openings/yr 57K employed nationally
↗ +1.0%
$58,750
$48K $68K 25th–75th pct.
High school diploma or equivalent 26,100 openings/yr 287K employed nationally

Top Colleges for Precision Production

Only 6 colleges had enough verified data to appear here for Precision Production. They are sorted by graduate volume, not selectivity, so use them as a starting point rather than a ranking.

Ranked by score, that list starts with the cost and outcomes at Washtenaw Community College, and the rest follow the same measures.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, MI · Public 25 Open $3,249 $39,449
2 Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WI · Public 16 Open $11,101 $46,894
3 Salem Community College Carneys Point, NJ · Public 14 Open $10,816 $38,020
4 Lake Michigan College Benton Harbor, MI · Public 7 Open $6,680 $34,466
5 Mott Community College Flint, MI · Public 1 Open $5,687 $32,538
6 Jefferson College Hillsboro, MO · Public 1 Open $7,378 $40,782

Ranked by Precision Production graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

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 program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Precision Production Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Precision Production shows 1 measurable strengths and 3 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 30,400 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
  • Licensure often required Many positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
  • Declining roles in some areas 1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
  • Limited program availability Only 17 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

Precision Production Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs can you get with a Precision Production degree?
Tool and Die Makers are one path, and it pays a median of $64,050 a year. It is not the only one: the Career Paths section below lists every occupation graduates actually go into, with wages and 10-year growth for each.
How long does a Precision Production program take?
Two years full-time at a community college for a Precision Production associate degree. Many students use it as a stepping stone, transferring to a four-year school afterward to finish a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Precision Production?
17 colleges and universities, so you are not short on options. That range runs from community colleges granting certificates and associate degrees to research universities with full doctoral tracks. Source: IPEDS.
What skills do employers look for in Precision Production graduates?
Coursework alone will not get you hired. Employers hiring Precision Production graduates consistently look for technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field. Build those into your coursework and internships now, and the job search later gets easier.
What is the job outlook for Precision Production graduates?
Outlook is slow overall: related occupations average -4.1% projected job growth over the next 10 years. Machinists are among the strongest-growth roles at +1.0%. That average hides real differences by role and location, so check the Career Paths section below for the projection on each specific occupation before you count on any single number.

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