Environmental Control Technologies at Riverside City College

Riverside, CA · Public · Certificate · Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians

with a mid-sized student body of 17,361 in Riverside, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $48,911 put Riverside City College's Environmental Control Technologies program 28% above the national median of $38,197 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 360.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Environmental Control Technologies career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Riverside City College ranks #2 among 63 Environmental Control Technologies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The 30 apprenticeship pathways connected to Environmental Control Technologies reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

72 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
69
Low End
72
Score
73
High End
Earnings $48,911/yr (28% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (68,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$512K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
360.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
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)
$1,420
Out-of-state: $11,230

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Environmental Control Technologies graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390 +1.5% 76%
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers $59,810 +8.1% 89%
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians $58,890 +1.2% 59%
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other
$77,390
+1.5% growth 76% AI-proof
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
$59,810
+8.1% growth 89% AI-proof
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians
$58,890
+1.2% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

About Environmental Control Technologies Careers

Your career in environmental control begins with essential, hands-on work. One day, you could be in a homeowner's basement, using wrenches and a multimeter to diagnose and repair a furnace. The next, you might be on a commercial rooftop installing a new air conditioning unit, connecting ductwork and refrigerant lines. Alternatively, you could find yourself at a municipal water treatment plant, operating complex machinery, monitoring control panels, and testing water samples to ensure community safety. These are the core, in-demand jobs where you'll build your foundation.

Read the full Environmental Control Technologies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Environmental Control Technologies Overview

Environmental Control Technologies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Riverside City College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Environmental Control Technologies at Riverside City College?
This program scores 72/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Environmental Control Technologies nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Is Riverside City College one of the best schools for Environmental Control Technologies?
The #2 ranking out of 63 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 Environmental Control Technologies?
Yes — 30 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Environmental Control Technologies career paths, including Additive 3D Printing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
Is there demand for Environmental Control Technologies workers?
With approximately 68,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Environmental Control Technologies offers a large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →