Heating & Air Conditioning at Florida Career College-Jacksonville

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

a compact campus enrolling 173 students in Jacksonville, FL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $28,989 place Florida Career College-Jacksonville below the $36,779 national median for Heating & Air Conditioning — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

AI risk is moderate — 11% task exposure — and the 21% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Heating & Air Conditioning graduates.

With first-year pay of $28,989 far exceeding the $9,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #222 out of 260 programs, Florida Career College-Jacksonville's financial outcomes for Heating & Air Conditioning trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $28,989 to $36,682 shows 27% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 15 registered apprenticeships mapped to Heating & Air Conditioning, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
42
Low End
44
Score
44
High End
Earnings $28,989/yr (-21% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$383K
6.1% 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
$9,500
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,682
27% 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

Heating & Air Conditioning at Other Schools

Other Majors at Florida Career College-Jacksonville

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Heating & Air Conditioning at Florida Career College-Jacksonville?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Heating & Air Conditioning. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How safe is Heating & Air Conditioning from automation?
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.
Why are Heating & Air Conditioning earnings lower at Florida Career College-Jacksonville?
Lower starting pay at Florida Career College-Jacksonville may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Heating & Air Conditioning graduates?
There are 15 registered apprenticeships connected to Heating & Air Conditioning occupations. 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 →