HVAC Technology at Manhattan Area Technical College

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

a compact campus enrolling 328 students in Manhattan, KS.

Program Analysis

Manhattan Area Technical College's HVAC Technology graduates start at $39,131/yr — above the $36,779 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 59.8x 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.

AI risk is moderate — 11% task exposure — and the 26% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for HVAC Technology graduates.

Ranked #50 out of 260 programs, Manhattan Area Technical College's HVAC Technology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $39,131 to $52,420 shows 34% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
54
Low End
58
Score
58
High End
Earnings $39,131/yr (6% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$556K
7.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
59.9x
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
$9,276
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,420
34% 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 Manhattan Area 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

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Manhattan Area Technical College's HVAC Technology program score?
A score of 58/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the HVAC Technology field.
Is HVAC Technology from Manhattan Area Technical College a future-proof career choice?
Highly resilient. HVAC Technology careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Manhattan Area Technical College graduates retain 1 of 1 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
What makes Manhattan Area Technical College's HVAC Technology program stand out?
Ranked #50 of 260 programs nationally, Manhattan Area Technical College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology graduates?
Beyond Manhattan Area Technical College's classroom route, 15 registered apprenticeships map to HVAC Technology careers — including Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →