HVAC Technology at Spokane Community College

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

a compact campus enrolling 4,114 students in Spokane, WA.

Program Analysis

Spokane Community College's HVAC Technology graduates start at $42,862/yr — above the $36,779 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 55.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $16,222 in median debt clears fast against $42,862 in annual earnings.

Spokane Community College ranks #49 among 260 HVAC Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

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

59 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
59
Score
58
High End
Earnings $42,862/yr (17% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$448K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
55.3x
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)
$8,114
Out-of-state: $10,988
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,222
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings

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

HVAC Technology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at Spokane Community College?
This program scores 59/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.
How safe is HVAC Technology from automation?
Highly resilient. HVAC Technology careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Spokane Community College graduates retain 1 of 1 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
What makes Spokane Community College's HVAC Technology program stand out?
Among 260 HVAC Technology programs, Spokane Community College's #49 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at Spokane Community College?
If Spokane 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 →