HVAC Technology at Perry Technical Institute

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

a compact campus enrolling 973 students in Yakima, WA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $57,782 put Perry Technical Institute's HVAC Technology program 57% above the national median of $36,779 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some HVAC Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $57,782 far exceeding the $17,146 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Perry Technical Institute ranks #55 among 260 HVAC Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 24% earnings increase from $57,782 to $71,486 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

57 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
55
Low End
57
Score
57
High End
Earnings $57,782/yr (57% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$743K
5.5% 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
$17,146
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,486
24% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, HVAC Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering skilled trades.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Perry Technical Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at Perry Technical Institute?
At 57/100, Perry Technical Institute's HVAC Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is HVAC Technology from Perry Technical Institute a future-proof career choice?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. HVAC Technology work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Perry Technical Institute's score of 57/100 reflects this durability.
How affordable is HVAC Technology at Perry Technical Institute?
At $17,146 in median debt, HVAC Technology graduates from Perry Technical Institute carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
What makes Perry Technical Institute's HVAC Technology program stand out?
The #55 ranking out of 260 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology graduates?
Beyond Perry Technical Institute's classroom route, 15 registered apprenticeships map to HVAC Technology careers — including Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →