HVAC Technology at American Trade School

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

a compact campus enrolling 140 students in Saint Ann, MO.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $44,057 at American Trade School come in 20% above the national median of $36,779 for HVAC Technology programs.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 14% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

With first-year pay of $44,057 far exceeding the $15,040 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #75 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, American Trade School scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $52,105 are relatively flat compared to the $44,057 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

HVAC Technology offers 15 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

53 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
53
Score
53
High End
Earnings $44,057/yr (20% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$536K
4.3% 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
$15,040
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,105
18% 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

Explore what HVAC Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 260 programs nationwide.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

How does American Trade School's HVAC Technology program score?
At 53/100, American Trade School's HVAC Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is HVAC Technology from American Trade School a future-proof career choice?
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.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology graduates?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to HVAC Technology. For students weighing American Trade School'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 →