HVAC Technology at East Central College

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

a compact campus enrolling 1,719 students in Union, MO.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,118/yr, roughly in line with the $36,779 national median for HVAC Technology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 97.2x 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.

At #40 of 260 nationally, this is a top-5% HVAC Technology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

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

61 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
61
Low End
61
Score
61
High End
Earnings $36,118/yr (-2% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$378K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
97.2x
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 (In-State)
$3,888
Out-of-state: $6,984

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

What can you do with a HVAC Technology credential from East Central College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at East Central College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at East Central College?
This program scores 61/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.
How safe is HVAC Technology from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. HVAC Technology work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. East Central College's score of 61/100 reflects this durability.
What makes East Central College's HVAC Technology program stand out?
Ranked #40 of 260 programs nationally, East Central College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at East Central College?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to HVAC Technology. For students weighing East Central 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 →