HVAC Technology at HVAC Technical Institute

Chicago, IL · Private for-profit · Certificate · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

a compact campus enrolling 216 students in Chicago, IL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $41,644 at HVAC Technical Institute come in 13% above the national median of $36,779 for HVAC Technology programs.

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.

With first-year pay of $41,644 far exceeding the $6,851 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #96 out of 260 programs, HVAC Technical Institute's HVAC Technology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

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

52 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
52
Score
52
High End
Earnings $41,644/yr (13% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$436K
1.0% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$6,851
2.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$28,677
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

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 HVAC Technical Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 52/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for HVAC Technology at HVAC Technical Institute?
A score of 52/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the HVAC Technology field.
How AI-proof is a career in HVAC Technology?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 11% of HVAC Technology tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 1 of 1 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
What's the typical debt for HVAC Technology graduates from HVAC Technical Institute?
At $6,851 in median debt, HVAC Technology graduates from HVAC Technical Institute carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at HVAC Technical Institute?
Yes — 15 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to HVAC Technology career paths, including Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at HVAC Technical Institute.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →