HVAC Technology at Hudson Valley Community College

Troy, NY · Public · Associate Degree · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

enrolling 6,359 students in Troy, NY.

Program Analysis

At $47,134 per year, HVAC Technology graduates from Hudson Valley Community College significantly outpace the $36,779 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 46.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some HVAC Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

The median debt load of $12,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Hudson Valley Community College ranks #51 among 260 HVAC Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 26% earnings increase from $47,134 to $59,554 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.

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
56
Low End
58
Score
58
High End
Earnings $47,134/yr (28% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$622K
6.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
46.5x
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)
$13,388
Out-of-state: $23,500
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,554
26% 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

HVAC Technology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Hudson Valley Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Hudson Valley Community College's HVAC Technology program score?
This program scores 58/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.
Is HVAC Technology from Hudson Valley Community College a future-proof career choice?
For Hudson Valley Community College graduates, AI risk is minimal. HVAC Technology rated "AI-Proof" — 89% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
How affordable is HVAC Technology at Hudson Valley Community College?
Median debt of just $12,000 against $47,134/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Why does Hudson Valley Community College rank so high for HVAC Technology?
Among 260 HVAC Technology programs, Hudson Valley Community College's #51 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Are there apprenticeship options for HVAC Technology?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to HVAC Technology. For students weighing Hudson Valley Community 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 →