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HVAC Technology at Ridge Technical College

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

a compact campus enrolling 375 students in Winter Haven, FL.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,807/yr fall 27% below the $36,779 national median for HVAC Technology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 71.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

With only 11% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 0%. Career paths for HVAC Technology are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Ranked #102 out of 260 programs, Ridge Technical College's HVAC Technology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

With 15 registered apprenticeships mapped to HVAC Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

51 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
51
Score
51
High End
Earnings $26,807/yr (-27% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$280K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
71.6x
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)
$3,918
Out-of-state: $10,398

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

Explore what HVAC Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 260 programs nationwide.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

View all 260 schools offering HVAC Technology →

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Hennepin Technical College ($65,592) Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology ($58,336) Perry Technical Institute ($57,782) Ivy Tech Community College ($57,323) St Cloud Technical and Community College ($57,178) Minneapolis Community and Technical College ($56,191) Monroe Community College ($54,241) Century College ($52,870)

Other Majors at Ridge Technical College

Practical Nursing ($36,556) Vehicle Repair Technology ($33,118) Precision Metalworking ($25,228) Medical Assisting ($24,621) Cosmetology ($15,943)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at Ridge Technical College?
This program scores 51/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.
How safe is HVAC Technology from automation?
For Ridge 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.
Can you still earn well with HVAC Technology from Ridge Technical College?
Lower starting pay at Ridge Technical College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn HVAC Technology through an apprenticeship instead of Ridge Technical College?
Beyond Ridge Technical College'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 →