Heating & Air Conditioning at Augusta Technical College

Augusta, GA · Public · Certificate · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

a smaller institution with 3,531 students in Augusta, GA.

Program Analysis

At $34,877/yr, Heating & Air Conditioning graduates from Augusta Technical College land near the $36,779 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 119.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 24% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Heating & Air Conditioning career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Augusta Technical College ranks #35 among 260 Heating & Air Conditioning programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 31% earnings increase from $34,877 to $45,559 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to Heating & Air Conditioning reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
62
Score
62
High End
Earnings $34,877/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$480K
6.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
119.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
1 of 1
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,022
Out-of-state: $7,022
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,559
31% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Heating & Air Conditioning graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers $59,810 +8.1% 89%
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
$59,810
+8.1% growth 89% AI-proof

About Heating & Air Conditioning Careers

Your career in HVACR begins with your hands on the tools. As an apprentice, you’ll work alongside a senior technician, learning to use pressure gauges on a residential AC unit or a multimeter to diagnose a faulty furnace circuit board in a chilly basement. Soon, you'll be driving the service van, independently tackling everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs on commercial rooftops. This is skilled, physical work that requires you to be on-site—it can’t be automated or outsourced.

Read the full Heating & Air Conditioning career guide →

Compare & Explore

Heating & Air Conditioning Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Augusta Technical College's Heating & Air Conditioning program score?
This program scores 62/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Heating & Air Conditioning graduates.
How AI-proof is a career in Heating & Air Conditioning?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Heating & Air Conditioning work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Our model rates it "AI-Proof" overall.
Is Augusta Technical College one of the best schools for Heating & Air Conditioning?
Among 260 Heating & Air Conditioning programs, Augusta Technical College's #35 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Can I learn Heating & Air Conditioning through an apprenticeship instead?
Heating & Air Conditioning connects to 15 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →