HVAC Technology at CET-Coachella

Coachella, CA · Private nonprofit · Certificate · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

a compact campus enrolling 84 students in Coachella, CA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,970/yr, roughly in line with the $36,779 national median for HVAC Technology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 27% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some HVAC Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $35,970 far exceeding the $6,160 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #149 ranking among 260 HVAC Technology programs places CET-Coachella in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 35% earnings increase from $35,970 to $48,636 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to HVAC Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
49
Score
49
High End
Earnings $35,970/yr (-2% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$517K
7.8% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$6,160
2.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,636
35% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for HVAC Technology 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

HVAC Technology Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for HVAC Technology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from CET-Coachella and 259 other schools.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at CET-Coachella

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at CET-Coachella?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for HVAC Technology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How safe is HVAC Technology from automation?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 11% of HVAC Technology tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 1 of 1 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
How affordable is HVAC Technology at CET-Coachella?
Median debt of just $6,160 against $35,970/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 2 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at CET-Coachella?
Beyond CET-Coachella's classroom route, 15 registered apprenticeships map to HVAC Technology careers — including Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →