HVAC Technology at Horry-Georgetown Technical College

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

with a mid-sized student body of 5,962 in Conway, SC.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $40,480/yr, edging above the $36,779 national average for HVAC Technology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

With a 129.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 27% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some HVAC Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $8,875 in median debt against $40,480 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #21 of 260 programs, this HVAC Technology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 35% earnings increase from $40,480 to $54,681 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to HVAC Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
66
Score
66
High End
Earnings $40,480/yr (10% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$581K
7.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
130.1x
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)
$4,468
Out-of-state: $8,836
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,875
2.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,681
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

See the full career breakdown for HVAC Technology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Horry-Georgetown Technical College and 259 other schools.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Horry-Georgetown Technical College's HVAC Technology program score?
At 66/100, Horry-Georgetown Technical College's HVAC Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
How safe is HVAC Technology from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. HVAC Technology work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Horry-Georgetown Technical College's score of 66/100 reflects this durability.
How affordable is HVAC Technology at Horry-Georgetown Technical College?
At $8,875 in median debt, HVAC Technology graduates from Horry-Georgetown Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology graduates?
If Horry-Georgetown Technical 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 →