HVAC Technology at San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center

Fresno, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

a smaller institution with 292 students in Fresno, CA.

Program Analysis

At $40,368 per year, HVAC Technology graduates from San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center earn slightly above the $36,779 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 11% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.

At #111 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $67,788 show a 68% jump from the $40,368 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

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 $40,368/yr (10% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$708K
12.0% 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.

Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,788
68% 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

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

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center?
At 51/100, San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center's HVAC Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
How safe is HVAC Technology from automation?
Highly resilient. HVAC Technology careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center graduates retain 1 of 1 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Can I learn HVAC Technology through an apprenticeship instead of San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to HVAC Technology. For students weighing San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →