HVAC Technology at Hazard Community and Technical College

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

a smaller institution with 1,404 students in Hazard, KY.

Program Analysis

Hazard Community and Technical College's HVAC Technology graduates start at $25,094/yr, trailing the $36,779 national average by 32%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 94.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI HVAC Technology programs nationally.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 11% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.

At #68 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, Hazard Community and Technical College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $41,135 show a 64% jump from the $25,094 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

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

53 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
53
Score
53
High End
Earnings $25,094/yr (-32% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$440K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
94.6x
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)
$4,656
Out-of-state: $6,192
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,135
64% 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 Hazard Community and Technical College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Hazard Community and Technical College's HVAC Technology program score?
This program scores 53/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.
Will AI replace HVAC Technology jobs?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. HVAC Technology work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Hazard Community and Technical College's score of 53/100 reflects this durability.
Can you still earn well with HVAC Technology from Hazard Community and Technical College?
Lower starting pay at Hazard Community and Technical College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Are there apprenticeship options for HVAC Technology?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to HVAC Technology. For students weighing Hazard Community and 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 →