HVAC Technology at Fortis College-Richmond

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

with a smaller student body of 399 in Richmond, VA.

Program Analysis

Fortis College-Richmond's HVAC Technology program produces graduates earning $32,955/yr — within striking distance of the $36,779 national average for this trade.

The 26.0x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

With only 11% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 12%. Career paths for HVAC Technology are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $10,523 in median debt clears fast against $32,955 in annual earnings.

At #202 out of 260 programs, Fortis College-Richmond's financial outcomes for HVAC Technology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $32,955 to $38,095 over five years (16% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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

45 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
44
Low End
45
Score
45
High End
Earnings $32,955/yr (-10% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$390K
3.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
26.0x
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
$14,986
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,523
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,095
16% 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

What can you do with a HVAC Technology credential from Fortis College-Richmond? 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 Fortis College-Richmond

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 45/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for HVAC Technology at Fortis College-Richmond?
A score of 45/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for HVAC Technology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
How safe is HVAC Technology from automation?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 11% of HVAC Technology tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 1 of 1 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology graduates?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to HVAC Technology. For students weighing Fortis College-Richmond'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 →