HVAC Technology at Centura College-Chesapeake

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

a smaller institution with 225 students in Chesapeake, VA.

Program Analysis

At $29,395 per year, HVAC Technology graduates from Centura College-Chesapeake earn below the $36,779 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 18.5x 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.

With only 11% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 0%. Career paths for HVAC Technology are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

The $14,730 debt-to-$29,395 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #246 out of 260 programs, Centura College-Chesapeake's financial outcomes for HVAC Technology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
41
Score
41
High End
Earnings $29,395/yr (-20% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$308K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
18.5x
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
$16,637
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,730
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings

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

See the full career breakdown for HVAC Technology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Centura College-Chesapeake and 259 other schools.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Centura College-Chesapeake

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 41/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for HVAC Technology at Centura College-Chesapeake?
At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring HVAC Technology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
How AI-proof is a career in HVAC Technology?
For Centura College-Chesapeake graduates, AI risk is minimal. HVAC Technology rated "AI-Proof" — 89% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
Why are HVAC Technology earnings lower at Centura College-Chesapeake?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Can I learn HVAC Technology through an apprenticeship instead of Centura College-Chesapeake?
If Centura College-Chesapeake's tuition gives you pause, consider that 15 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →