HVAC Technology at St Cloud Technical and Community College

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

a compact campus enrolling 2,808 students in Saint Cloud, MN.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $57,178 put St Cloud Technical and Community College's HVAC Technology program 55% above the national median of $36,779 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 130.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in HVAC Technology involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

Among 260 HVAC Technology programs nationally, St Cloud Technical and Community College ranks #1 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

The limited growth from $57,178 to $63,498 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to HVAC Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
70
Low End
71
Score
71
High End
Earnings $57,178/yr (55% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$645K
2.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
130.2x
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
$4,957
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,498
11% 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

What can you do with a HVAC Technology credential from St Cloud Technical and Community 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at St Cloud Technical and Community College?
At 71/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
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. St Cloud Technical and Community College graduates retain 1 of 1 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
What makes St Cloud Technical and Community College's HVAC Technology program stand out?
Ranked #1 of 260 programs nationally, St Cloud Technical and Community College lands in the top 1%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Are there apprenticeship options for HVAC Technology?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to HVAC Technology. For students weighing St Cloud Technical and Community College'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 →