HVAC Technology at UEI College-Gardena

Gardena, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

a compact campus enrolling 1,444 students in Gardena, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,235 place UEI College-Gardena below the $36,779 national median for HVAC Technology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

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.

With first-year pay of $30,235 far exceeding the $9,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #204 ranking among 260 HVAC Technology programs places UEI College-Gardena in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

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

45 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
43
Low End
45
Score
45
High End
Earnings $30,235/yr (-18% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$316K
1.0% 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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
3.8 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

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

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at UEI College-Gardena

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at UEI College-Gardena?
At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring HVAC Technology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Will AI replace HVAC Technology jobs?
For UEI College-Gardena graduates, AI risk is minimal. HVAC Technology rated "AI-Proof" — 89% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
Is UEI College-Gardena a good choice for HVAC Technology despite lower starting pay?
Lower starting pay at UEI College-Gardena may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at UEI College-Gardena?
There are 15 registered apprenticeships connected to HVAC Technology occupations, such as Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician and Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic (Existing Title: Heating & Air-Conditioner Install/Ser). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →