HVAC Technology at Pennsylvania College of Technology

Williamsport, PA · Public · Associate Degree · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

a compact campus enrolling 4,254 students in Williamsport, PA.

Program Analysis

At $51,770 per year, HVAC Technology graduates from Pennsylvania College of Technology significantly outpace the $36,779 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 15.1x 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.

The median debt load of $12,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

At #109 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, Pennsylvania College of Technology scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

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

51 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
51
Score
51
High End
Earnings $51,770/yr (41% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$542K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
15.1x
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 (In-State)
$35,880
Out-of-state: $51,360
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
2.8 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

HVAC Technology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at Pennsylvania College of Technology?
At 51/100, Pennsylvania College of Technology's HVAC Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is HVAC Technology from Pennsylvania College of Technology a future-proof career choice?
Highly resilient. HVAC Technology careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Pennsylvania College of Technology graduates retain 1 of 1 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
What's the typical debt for HVAC Technology graduates from Pennsylvania College of Technology?
At $12,000 in median debt, HVAC Technology graduates from Pennsylvania College of Technology carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at Pennsylvania College of Technology?
If Pennsylvania College of Technology's tuition gives you pause, consider that 15 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →