HVAC Technology 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, HVAC Technology 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 HVAC Technology involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

Greenville Technical College ranks #12 among 260 HVAC Technology 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 HVAC Technology 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 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 68/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for HVAC Technology at Greenville Technical College?
At 68/100, Greenville Technical College's HVAC Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
How AI-proof is a career in HVAC Technology?
Highly resilient. HVAC Technology careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Greenville Technical College graduates retain 1 of 1 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
What makes Greenville Technical College's HVAC Technology 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.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at Greenville Technical College?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to HVAC Technology. For students weighing Greenville Technical College'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 →