HVAC Technology at Rosedale Technical College

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

Rosedale Technical College accepts 77% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 405 students in Pittsburgh, PA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,126/yr, edging above the $36,779 national average for HVAC Technology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

The 15.4x 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.

AI risk is moderate — 11% task exposure — and the 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for HVAC Technology graduates.

At $12,000 in median debt against $41,126 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #175 out of 260 programs, Rosedale Technical College's financial outcomes for HVAC Technology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $41,126 to $49,890 shows 21% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

47 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
47
Score
47
High End
Earnings $41,126/yr (12% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$516K
5.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
15.4x
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
$33,400
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
3.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,890
21% 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Rosedale Technical College's HVAC Technology program score?
At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring HVAC Technology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Will AI replace HVAC Technology jobs?
HVAC Technology rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 11% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
How affordable is HVAC Technology at Rosedale Technical College?
At $12,000 in median debt, HVAC Technology graduates from Rosedale Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology graduates?
Beyond Rosedale 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 →