HVAC Technology at Ozarks Technical Community College

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

enrolling 8,194 students in Springfield, MO.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,862/yr, edging above the $36,779 national average for HVAC Technology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

With a 104.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in HVAC Technology involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

Ozarks Technical Community College ranks #30 among 260 HVAC Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $38,862 to $42,880 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to HVAC Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

64 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
62
Low End
64
Score
64
High End
Earnings $38,862/yr (6% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$435K
2.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
104.0x
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)
$4,184
Out-of-state: $6,872
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,880
10% 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

Explore what HVAC Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 260 programs nationwide.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ozarks Technical Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Ozarks Technical Community College's HVAC Technology program score?
A score of 64/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the HVAC Technology field.
How safe is HVAC Technology from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. HVAC Technology work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Ozarks Technical Community College's score of 64/100 reflects this durability.
Why does Ozarks Technical Community College rank so high for HVAC Technology?
The #30 ranking out of 260 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for HVAC Technology?
If Ozarks Technical Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 15 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →