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HVAC Technology at Houston Community College

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

with 37,970 students enrolled in Houston, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,250 place Houston Community College below the $36,779 national median for HVAC Technology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 134.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

With only 11% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 0%. Career paths for HVAC Technology are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Ranked #53 out of 260 programs, Houston Community College's HVAC Technology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

With 15 registered apprenticeships mapped to HVAC Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

57 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
56
Low End
57
Score
57
High End
Earnings $26,250/yr (-29% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$275K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
134.6x
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)
$2,040
Out-of-state: $5,460
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$42,743
63% 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 Houston Community 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

View all 260 schools offering HVAC Technology →

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Hennepin Technical College ($65,592) Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology ($58,336) Perry Technical Institute ($57,782) Ivy Tech Community College ($57,323) St Cloud Technical and Community College ($57,178) Minneapolis Community and Technical College ($56,191) Monroe Community College ($54,241) Century College ($52,870)

Other Majors at Houston Community College

Allied Health Professions ($67,098) Nursing ($66,743) Allied Health Professions ($64,648) Engineering Science ($61,518) Physical Science Technology ($60,612) Criminal Justice ($56,454) Dental Assisting ($56,005) Clinical Laboratory Science ($48,172)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Houston Community College's HVAC Technology program score?
At 57/100, Houston Community 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. Houston Community College's score of 57/100 reflects this durability.
Why does Houston Community College rank so high for HVAC Technology?
The #53 ranking out of 260 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Can you still earn well with HVAC Technology from Houston Community College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Houston Community College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at Houston Community College?
There are 15 registered apprenticeships connected to HVAC Technology occupations, such as Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician and Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic (Existing Title: Heating & Air-Conditioner Install/Ser). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →