WhatGradsMake
Certificate (under 1 year)-2% vs national median494 grads tracked

Precision Metal Working at Des Moines Area Community College

Ranked 74th of 150 certificate (under 1 year) programs in Precision Metal Working by 5-year earnings.

Median · 1 year out
$36,674
middle 50%: $25,837 – $49,666
Median · 5 years out
$52,522
middle 50%: $38,728 – $65,881
Median · 10 years out
$65,698
middle 50%: $39,655 – $83,018

Salary trajectory

Median earnings vs the national median for Precision Metal Working (certificate (under 1 year)) graduates.

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

Graduates of Des Moines Area Community College's certificate (under 1 year) program in Precision Metal Working earn a median $36,674 one year after graduating, rising to $65,698 by year ten. Five years out, earnings run 2% below the national median of $53,655 for this field, ranking 74th of 150 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
8 yrs
≈ $9,398 total interest

Same major at other universities

Other majors at Des Moines Area Community College

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