HVAC Technology at Fortis Institute-Birmingham
a compact campus enrolling 339 students in Birmingham, AL.
Program Analysis
At $36,485/yr, HVAC Technology graduates from Fortis Institute-Birmingham land near the $36,779 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 30.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI HVAC Technology programs nationally.
AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 13% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.
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 #153 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, Fortis Institute-Birmingham falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $42,934 are relatively flat compared to the $36,485 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
HVAC Technology offers 15 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
HVAC Technology Career Guide
Explore what HVAC Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 260 programs nationwide.