HVAC Technology at Southern Technical College

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

a compact campus enrolling 1,686 students in Orlando, FL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,990 track close to the $36,779 national median for HVAC Technology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

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.

At $11,250 in median debt against $31,990 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #198 out of 260 programs, Southern Technical College's financial outcomes for HVAC Technology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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

46 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
46
Score
46
High End
Earnings $31,990/yr (-13% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$335K
1.0% 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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$11,250
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings

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

What can you do with a HVAC Technology credential from Southern Technical College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southern Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 46/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for HVAC Technology at Southern Technical College?
At 46/100, 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.
Are there apprenticeship options for HVAC Technology?
There are 15 registered apprenticeships connected to HVAC Technology occupations, such as Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician and Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic (Existing Title: Heating & Air-Conditioner Install/Ser). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →