HVAC Technology at CET-Alexandria

Alexandria, VA · Private nonprofit · Certificate · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

a compact campus enrolling 23 students in Alexandria, VA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,970/yr, roughly in line with the $36,779 national median for HVAC Technology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Some AI exposure exists in HVAC Technology's career paths, with 11% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 27% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $35,970 far exceeding the $6,160 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #150 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, CET-Alexandria falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $35,970 to $48,636 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
49
Score
49
High End
Earnings $35,970/yr (-2% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$517K
7.8% 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
$6,160
2.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,636
35% 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

HVAC Technology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

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 CET-Alexandria?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for HVAC Technology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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.
How affordable is HVAC Technology at CET-Alexandria?
Median debt of just $6,160 against $35,970/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 2 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Are there apprenticeship options for HVAC Technology?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to HVAC Technology. For students weighing CET-Alexandria'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 →