HVAC Technology at Midlands Technical College

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

with a mid-sized student body of 7,731 in West Columbia, SC.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $46,803 put Midlands Technical College's HVAC Technology program 27% above the national median of $36,779 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The 128.9x 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 21% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for HVAC Technology graduates.

Ranked #7 out of 260 programs, Midlands Technical College's HVAC Technology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $46,803 to $59,159 shows 26% 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.

69 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
69
Score
69
High End
Earnings $46,803/yr (27% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$618K
6.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
129.0x
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)
$4,788
Out-of-state: $13,812
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,159
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

From day-one roles to senior positions, HVAC Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering skilled trades.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Midlands Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 69/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for HVAC Technology at Midlands Technical College?
This program scores 69/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.
How AI-proof is a career in HVAC Technology?
For Midlands Technical 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.
Why does Midlands Technical College rank so high for HVAC Technology?
The #7 ranking out of 260 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology graduates?
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 →