Heating & Air Conditioning at Greenville Technical College

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

enrolling 8,171 students in Greenville, SC.

Program Analysis

At $50,802 per year, Heating & Air Conditioning graduates from Greenville Technical College significantly outpace the $36,779 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 98.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Heating & Air Conditioning involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

Greenville Technical College ranks #12 among 260 Heating & Air Conditioning programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $50,802 to $54,689 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to Heating & Air Conditioning reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

68 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
67
Low End
68
Score
68
High End
Earnings $50,802/yr (38% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$553K
1.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
98.0x
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 (In-State)
$5,639
Out-of-state: $10,657
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,689
8% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Heating & Air Conditioning 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

About Heating & Air Conditioning Careers

Your career in HVACR begins with your hands on the tools. As an apprentice, you’ll work alongside a senior technician, learning to use pressure gauges on a residential AC unit or a multimeter to diagnose a faulty furnace circuit board in a chilly basement. Soon, you'll be driving the service van, independently tackling everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs on commercial rooftops. This is skilled, physical work that requires you to be on-site—it can’t be automated or outsourced.

Read the full Heating & Air Conditioning career guide →

Compare & Explore

Heating & Air Conditioning Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 68/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Heating & Air Conditioning at Greenville Technical College?
At 68/100, Greenville Technical College's Heating & Air Conditioning program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
How safe is Heating & Air Conditioning from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Heating & Air Conditioning work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Our model rates it "AI-Proof" overall.
What makes Greenville Technical College's Heating & Air Conditioning program stand out?
Ranked #12 of 260 programs nationally, Greenville Technical College lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Are there apprenticeship options for Heating & Air Conditioning?
Heating & Air Conditioning connects to 15 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →