HVAC Technology at Delgado Community College

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

serving 11,182 students in New Orleans, LA.

Program Analysis

Delgado Community College's HVAC Technology program produces graduates earning $32,550/yr — within striking distance of the $36,779 national average for this trade.

With a 72.8x 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.

At $19,000 against $32,550/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Delgado Community College ranks #57 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.

56 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
56
Low End
56
Score
56
High End
Earnings $32,550/yr (-11% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$341K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
72.8x
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
$4,678
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
7.0 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

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

Other Majors at Delgado Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 56/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for HVAC Technology at Delgado Community College?
A score of 56/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the HVAC Technology field.
How AI-proof is a career in HVAC Technology?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. HVAC Technology work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Delgado Community College's score of 56/100 reflects this durability.
Is Delgado Community College one of the best schools for HVAC Technology?
The #57 ranking out of 260 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Can I learn HVAC Technology through an apprenticeship instead of Delgado Community College?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to HVAC Technology. For students weighing Delgado Community College'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 →