WhatGradsMake
Certificate (1-2 years)-9% vs national median105 grads tracked

Precision Metal Working at Northwest Iowa Community College

Ranked 90th of 123 certificate (1-2 years) programs in Precision Metal Working by 5-year earnings.

Median · 1 year out
$40,493
middle 50%: $31,792 – $49,741
Median · 5 years out
$50,579
middle 50%: $42,146 – $61,969
Median · 10 years out
$54,615
middle 50%: $45,751 – $65,986

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 Northwest Iowa Community College's certificate (1-2 years) program in Precision Metal Working earn a median $40,493 one year after graduating, rising to $54,615 by year ten. Five years out, earnings run 9% below the national median of $55,464 for this field, ranking 90th 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
8.2 yrs
≈ $9,229 total interest

Same major at other universities

Other majors at Northwest Iowa Community College

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