Heating & Air Conditioning at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McKenzie

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

a compact campus enrolling 114 students in McKenzie, TN.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,624/yr, roughly in line with the $36,779 national median for Heating & Air Conditioning. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

AI risk is moderate — 11% task exposure — and the 26% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Heating & Air Conditioning graduates.

At #176 out of 260 programs, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McKenzie's financial outcomes for Heating & Air Conditioning trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $32,624 to $43,574 shows 34% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

47 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
47
Score
47
High End
Earnings $32,624/yr (-11% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$462K
7.5% 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.

Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,574
34% growth from Year 1

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Heating & Air Conditioning at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McKenzie?
This program scores 47/100 — on the lower end for Heating & Air Conditioning. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Will AI replace Heating & Air Conditioning jobs?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Heating & Air Conditioning work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Our model rates it "AI-Proof" overall.
Can I learn Heating & Air Conditioning through an apprenticeship instead?
Yes — 15 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Heating & Air Conditioning career paths, including Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →