HVAC Technology at Automeca Technical College-Ponce

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

with a smaller student body of 284 in Ponce, PR.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $17,204/yr fall 53% below the $36,779 national median for HVAC Technology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 30.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI exposure is significant at 11% of job tasks, producing a 33% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

At $2,500 in median debt against $17,204 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

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

The five-year earnings trajectory from $17,204 to $24,785 shows 44% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

36 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
33
Low End
36
Score
36
High End
Earnings $17,204/yr (-53% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$268K
9.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
30.2x
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
$8,895
Median Debt at Graduation
$2,500
1.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$24,785
44% 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 Automeca Technical College-Ponce? 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

How does Automeca Technical College-Ponce's HVAC Technology program score?
A score of 36/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for HVAC Technology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
How safe is HVAC Technology from automation?
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.
What's the typical debt for HVAC Technology graduates from Automeca Technical College-Ponce?
At $2,500 in median debt, HVAC Technology graduates from Automeca Technical College-Ponce carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.1x is well below the trade program average.
Why are HVAC Technology earnings lower at Automeca Technical College-Ponce?
Starting salary is one data point. If Automeca Technical College-Ponce's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at Automeca Technical College-Ponce?
Yes — 15 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to HVAC Technology career paths, including Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Automeca Technical College-Ponce.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →