HVAC Technology at Dakota County Technical College

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

a compact campus enrolling 2,083 students in Rosemount, MN.

Program Analysis

Dakota County Technical College HVAC Technology graduates command $52,079/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,779 national median. That 42% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 84.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI HVAC Technology programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 0% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

Ranked #16 of 260 programs, Dakota County Technical College's HVAC Technology program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

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

67 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
67
Score
67
High End
Earnings $52,079/yr (42% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$545K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
84.9x
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
$6,419

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 Dakota County Technical College and 259 other schools.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Dakota County Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 67/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for HVAC Technology at Dakota County Technical College?
A score of 67/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the HVAC Technology field.
How safe is HVAC Technology from automation?
For Dakota County Technical College graduates, AI risk is minimal. HVAC Technology rated "AI-Proof" — 89% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
Are there apprenticeship options for HVAC Technology?
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 →