HVAC Technology at Florida Career College-Orlando

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

a smaller institution with 153 students in Orlando, FL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $28,989 place Florida Career College-Orlando below the $36,779 national median for HVAC Technology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

AI risk is moderate — 11% task exposure — and the 21% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for HVAC Technology graduates.

With first-year pay of $28,989 far exceeding the $9,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #225 out of 260 programs, Florida Career College-Orlando's financial outcomes for HVAC Technology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $28,989 to $36,682 shows 27% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 15 registered apprenticeships mapped to HVAC Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
42
Low End
44
Score
44
High End
Earnings $28,989/yr (-21% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$383K
6.1% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,682
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

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 Florida Career College-Orlando

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Florida Career College-Orlando's HVAC Technology program score?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for HVAC Technology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How AI-proof is a career in HVAC Technology?
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 Florida Career College-Orlando a good choice for HVAC Technology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Florida Career College-Orlando's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology graduates?
There are 15 registered apprenticeships connected to HVAC Technology occupations, such as Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician and Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic (Existing Title: Heating & Air-Conditioner Install/Ser). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →