HVAC Technology at Erie Community College

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

enrolling 5,906 students in Buffalo, NY.

Program Analysis

At $29,804 per year, HVAC Technology graduates from Erie Community College earn below the $36,779 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 85.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI HVAC Technology programs nationally.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 11% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.

At #58 of 260 nationally, this is a top-5% HVAC Technology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $56,738 show a 90% jump from the $29,804 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

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

56 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
56
Score
56
High End
Earnings $29,804/yr (-19% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$523K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
85.7x
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)
$6,100
Out-of-state: $11,300
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,738
90% 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

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

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Erie Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Erie Community College's HVAC Technology program score?
This program scores 56/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.
How safe is HVAC Technology from automation?
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.
Is Erie Community College one of the best schools for HVAC Technology?
The #58 ranking out of 260 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Why are HVAC Technology earnings lower at Erie Community College?
Lower starting pay at Erie Community College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology graduates?
Yes — 15 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to HVAC Technology career paths, including Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Erie Community College.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →