HVAC Technology at Dorsey College-Wayne

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

with a smaller student body of 203 in Wayne, MI.

Program Analysis

Dorsey College-Wayne's HVAC Technology program produces graduates earning $33,265/yr — within striking distance of the $36,779 national average for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 13.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI HVAC Technology programs nationally.

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 21% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $9,500 in median debt clears fast against $33,265 in annual earnings.

Ranked #238 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, Dorsey College-Wayne falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $33,265 to $42,330 over five years — a 27% 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.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $33,265/yr (-10% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$443K
6.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
13.8x
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
$32,160
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,330
27% 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

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

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Dorsey College-Wayne

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for HVAC Technology at Dorsey College-Wayne?
A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for HVAC Technology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace HVAC Technology jobs?
HVAC Technology rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 11% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
How affordable is HVAC Technology at Dorsey College-Wayne?
At $9,500 in median debt, HVAC Technology graduates from Dorsey College-Wayne carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
Can I learn HVAC Technology through an apprenticeship instead of Dorsey College-Wayne?
Beyond Dorsey College-Wayne'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 →