HVAC Technology at CET-Colton

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

with a smaller student body of 191 in Colton, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,970 track close to the $36,779 national median for HVAC Technology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Some AI exposure exists in HVAC Technology's career paths, with 11% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 27% gap from the optimistic case.

At $6,160 in median debt against $35,970 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #141 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, CET-Colton falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $35,970 to $48,636 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

HVAC Technology offers 15 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

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

Explore what HVAC Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 260 programs nationwide.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at CET-Colton

Frequently Asked Questions

How does CET-Colton's HVAC Technology program score?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for HVAC Technology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
How AI-proof is a career in HVAC Technology?
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-Colton?
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.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology graduates?
There are 15 registered apprenticeships connected to HVAC Technology occupations, such as Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician and Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic (Existing Title: Heating & Air-Conditioner Install/Ser). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →