Heating & Air Conditioning at Orange Technical College-South Campus

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

a compact campus enrolling 1,157 students in Orlando, FL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,860 track close to the $36,779 national median for Heating & Air Conditioning programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With only 11% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 0%. Career paths for Heating & Air Conditioning are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

At #157 out of 260 programs, Orange Technical College-South Campus's financial outcomes for Heating & Air Conditioning trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

With 15 registered apprenticeships mapped to Heating & Air Conditioning, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
48
Score
48
High End
Earnings $34,860/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$365K
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.

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Heating & Air Conditioning 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

About Heating & Air Conditioning Careers

Your career in HVACR begins with your hands on the tools. As an apprentice, you’ll work alongside a senior technician, learning to use pressure gauges on a residential AC unit or a multimeter to diagnose a faulty furnace circuit board in a chilly basement. Soon, you'll be driving the service van, independently tackling everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs on commercial rooftops. This is skilled, physical work that requires you to be on-site—it can’t be automated or outsourced.

Read the full Heating & Air Conditioning career guide →

Compare & Explore

Heating & Air Conditioning Overview

Heating & Air Conditioning at Other Schools

Other Majors at Orange Technical College-South Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Orange Technical College-South Campus's Heating & Air Conditioning program score?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Heating & Air Conditioning programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
How AI-proof is a career in Heating & Air Conditioning?
Heating & Air Conditioning rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 11% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Heating & Air Conditioning graduates?
Heating & Air Conditioning connects to 15 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →