HVAC Technology at Fortis College

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

with a smaller student body of 357 in Houston, TX.

Program Analysis

At $30,110 per year, HVAC Technology graduates from Fortis College earn below the $36,779 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Some AI exposure exists in HVAC Technology's career paths, with 11% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 27% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $13,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #203 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, Fortis College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $30,110 to $40,699 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

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

45 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
43
Low End
45
Score
45
High End
Earnings $30,110/yr (-18% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$433K
7.8% 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
$13,000
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,699
35% 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

Explore what HVAC Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 260 programs nationwide.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Fortis College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at Fortis College?
A score of 45/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for HVAC Technology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace HVAC Technology jobs?
For Fortis College graduates, AI risk is minimal. HVAC Technology rated "AI-Proof" — 89% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
Is Fortis College a good choice for HVAC Technology despite lower starting pay?
Lower starting pay at Fortis College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn HVAC Technology through an apprenticeship instead of Fortis College?
If Fortis College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 15 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →