HVAC Technology at Centura College-Richmond Main

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

a compact campus enrolling 31 students in North Chesterfield, VA.

Program Analysis

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

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 18.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI HVAC Technology programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 0% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

Median debt of $14,730 represents roughly 6 months of the $29,395 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #247 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, Centura College-Richmond Main falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

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

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

From day-one roles to senior positions, HVAC Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering skilled trades.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at Centura College-Richmond Main?
A score of 41/100 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?
Highly resilient. HVAC Technology careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Centura College-Richmond Main graduates retain 1 of 1 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Can you still earn well with HVAC Technology from Centura College-Richmond Main?
Starting salary is one data point. If Centura College-Richmond Main'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 HVAC Technology?
Beyond Centura College-Richmond Main's classroom route, 15 registered apprenticeships map to HVAC Technology careers — including Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →