HVAC Technology at DeHart Technical School

Modesto, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

with a smaller student body of 80 in Modesto, CA.

Program Analysis

At $43,927 per year, HVAC Technology graduates from DeHart Technical School earn slightly above the $36,779 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 0% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in HVAC Technology involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

The median debt load of $8,950 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

A #77 ranking among 260 HVAC Technology programs places DeHart Technical School in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

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

53 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
53
Score
53
High End
Earnings $43,927/yr (19% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$460K
1.0% 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
$8,950
2.4 months of Year 1 earnings

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

What can you do with a HVAC Technology credential from DeHart Technical School? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does DeHart Technical School's HVAC Technology program score?
A score of 53/100 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?
Highly resilient. HVAC Technology careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. DeHart Technical School graduates retain 1 of 1 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
What's the typical debt for HVAC Technology graduates from DeHart Technical School?
At $8,950 in median debt, HVAC Technology graduates from DeHart Technical School carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
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 →