Heating & Air Conditioning at San Jacinto Community College

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

with 23,071 students enrolled in Pasadena, TX.

Program Analysis

At $30,189 per year, Heating & Air Conditioning graduates from San Jacinto Community College earn below the $36,779 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 160.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 1% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Heating & Air Conditioning involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

San Jacinto Community College ranks #42 among 260 Heating & Air Conditioning programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $30,189 to $31,732 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to Heating & Air Conditioning reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

61 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
61
Score
61
High End
Earnings $30,189/yr (-18% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$320K
1.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
160.4x
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 (In-State)
$1,992
Out-of-state: $5,352
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,732
5% 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 San Jacinto Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 61/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Heating & Air Conditioning at San Jacinto Community College?
A score of 61/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Heating & Air Conditioning field.
How AI-proof is a career in Heating & Air Conditioning?
Highly resilient. Heating & Air Conditioning careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Graduates retain 1 of 1 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Why does San Jacinto Community College rank so high for Heating & Air Conditioning?
The #42 ranking out of 260 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Why are Heating & Air Conditioning earnings lower at San Jacinto Community College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Heating & Air Conditioning graduates?
Yes — 15 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Heating & Air Conditioning career paths, including Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →