HVAC Technology at Athens Technical College

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

a compact campus enrolling 3,153 students in Athens, GA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $45,356/yr, edging above the $36,779 national average for HVAC Technology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

With a 149.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% 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.

Athens Technical College ranks #8 among 260 HVAC Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

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

69 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
68
Low End
69
Score
69
High End
Earnings $45,356/yr (23% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$475K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
149.6x
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 (In-State)
$3,172
Out-of-state: $5,572

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

Other Majors at Athens Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 69/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for HVAC Technology at Athens Technical College?
At 69/100, Athens Technical College's HVAC Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
How AI-proof is a career in HVAC Technology?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 11% of HVAC Technology tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 1 of 1 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
Is Athens Technical College one of the best schools for HVAC Technology?
Among 260 HVAC Technology programs, Athens Technical College's #8 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at Athens Technical College?
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 →