HVAC Technology at Southeast Community College Area

Lincoln, NE · Public · Associate Degree · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

with a mid-sized student body of 6,235 in Lincoln, NE.

Program Analysis

Southeast Community College Area HVAC Technology graduates command $49,666/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,779 national median. That 35% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 88.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some HVAC Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At #19 of 260 programs, this HVAC Technology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 22% earnings increase from $49,666 to $60,687 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

67 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
64
Low End
67
Score
67
High End
Earnings $49,666/yr (35% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$629K
5.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
88.8x
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)
$7,080
Out-of-state: $8,520
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,687
22% 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

See the full career breakdown for HVAC Technology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Southeast Community College Area and 259 other schools.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southeast Community College Area

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at Southeast Community College Area?
This program scores 67/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.
Is HVAC Technology from Southeast Community College Area a future-proof career choice?
Highly resilient. HVAC Technology careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Southeast Community College Area graduates retain 1 of 1 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Can I learn HVAC Technology through an apprenticeship instead of Southeast Community College Area?
If Southeast Community College Area'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 →