Heating & Air Conditioning at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Crossville

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

a compact campus enrolling 346 students in Crossville, TN.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $28,029/yr fall 24% below the $36,779 national median for Heating & Air Conditioning. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Career paths for Heating & Air Conditioning carry above-average AI exposure (11% of tasks). The 35% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

A #230 ranking among 260 Heating & Air Conditioning programs places Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Crossville in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 48% earnings increase from $28,029 to $41,570 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
42
Low End
43
Score
43
High End
Earnings $28,029/yr (-24% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$454K
10.4% 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)
$41,570
48% 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Heating & Air Conditioning at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Crossville?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Heating & Air Conditioning programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
How AI-proof is a career in Heating & Air Conditioning?
Heating & Air Conditioning 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.
Why are Heating & Air Conditioning earnings lower at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Crossville?
Starting salary is one data point. If Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Crossville's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Heating & Air Conditioning?
Heating & Air Conditioning connects to 15 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →