HVAC Technology at National Career Education

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

with a smaller student body of 438 in Citrus Heights, CA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,695/yr, edging above the $36,779 national average for HVAC Technology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 11% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.

At $9,238 in median debt against $41,695 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #86 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, National Career Education scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $68,881 show a 65% jump from the $41,695 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

HVAC Technology offers 15 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

52 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
52
Score
52
High End
Earnings $41,695/yr (13% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$732K
12.0% 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
$9,238
2.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,881
65% 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 National Career Education

Frequently Asked Questions

How does National Career Education's HVAC Technology program score?
This program scores 52/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.
How safe is HVAC Technology from automation?
For National Career Education 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.
What's the typical debt for HVAC Technology graduates from National Career Education?
Median debt of just $9,238 against $41,695/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.
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 →