WhatGradsMake
Certificate (1-2 years)+4% vs national median542 grads tracked

Precision Metal Working at Des Moines Area Community College

Ranked 47th of 123 certificate (1-2 years) programs in Precision Metal Working by 5-year earnings.

Median · 1 year out
$42,672
middle 50%: $31,706 – $54,690
Median · 5 years out
$57,838
middle 50%: $44,952 – $68,776
Median · 10 years out
$70,298
middle 50%: $60,118 – $88,516

Salary trajectory

Median earnings vs the national median for Precision Metal Working (certificate (1-2 years)) graduates.

This program (median)National median, same major & degreeMiddle 50% of graduates

Graduates of Des Moines Area Community College's certificate (1-2 years) program in Precision Metal Working earn a median $42,672 one year after graduating, rising to $70,298 by year ten. Five years out, earnings run 4% above the national median of $55,464 for this field, ranking 47th of 123 reporting programs.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau PSEO, release V4.13.0 2025Q4. Earnings are for graduates working in covered states; figures are medians in nominal dollars.

Will the degree pay for itself?

Drag the sliders — payback uses this program's actual salary curve.

Assumes a 6.5% APR loan and this program's median salary trajectory (interpolated between years 1, 5 and 10).

Paid off in
7.2 yrs
≈ $8,172 total interest

Same major at other universities

Other majors at Des Moines Area Community College

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