Heating & Air Conditioning at Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville

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

a smaller institution with 730 students in Nashville, TN.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,315/yr, roughly in line with the $36,779 national median for Heating & Air Conditioning. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Career paths for Heating & Air Conditioning carry above-average AI exposure (11% of tasks). The 38% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

A #161 ranking among 260 Heating & Air Conditioning programs places Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $34,315-to-$52,231 earnings arc over five years reflects a 52% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to Heating & Air Conditioning reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
48
Score
48
High End
Earnings $34,315/yr (-7% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$576K
11.1% 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)
$52,231
52% 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Heating & Air Conditioning at Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville?
This program scores 48/100 — on the lower end for Heating & Air Conditioning. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How safe is Heating & Air Conditioning from automation?
Highly resilient. Heating & Air Conditioning careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Graduates retain 1 of 1 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Can I learn Heating & Air Conditioning through an apprenticeship instead?
Heating & Air Conditioning connects to 15 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →