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HVAC Technology at Elgin Community College

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

serving 6,463 students in Elgin, IL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,513 place Elgin Community College below the $36,779 national median for HVAC Technology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 80.6x 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.

A #104 ranking among 260 HVAC Technology programs places Elgin Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to HVAC Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

51 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
51
Score
51
High End
Earnings $24,513/yr (-33% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$256K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
80.6x
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)
$3,180
Out-of-state: $9,516

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

View all 260 schools offering HVAC Technology →

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Hennepin Technical College ($65,592) Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology ($58,336) Perry Technical Institute ($57,782) Ivy Tech Community College ($57,323) St Cloud Technical and Community College ($57,178) Minneapolis Community and Technical College ($56,191) Monroe Community College ($54,241) Century College ($52,870)

Other Majors at Elgin Community College

Nursing ($71,721) Ground Transportation ($51,945) Medical Assisting ($46,319) Liberal Arts & Humanities ($25,377)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at Elgin Community College?
A score of 51/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the HVAC Technology field.
Is HVAC Technology from Elgin Community College a future-proof career choice?
Highly resilient. HVAC Technology careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Elgin Community College graduates retain 1 of 1 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Can you still earn well with HVAC Technology from Elgin Community College?
Lower starting pay at Elgin Community College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at Elgin Community College?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to HVAC Technology. For students weighing Elgin 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 →