HVAC Technology at Virginia Western Community College

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

a smaller institution with 3,777 students in Roanoke, VA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $40,629 at Virginia Western Community College come in 10% above the national median of $36,779 for HVAC Technology programs.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 80.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI HVAC Technology programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 0% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

At #38 of 260 nationally, this is a top-5% HVAC Technology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

HVAC Technology offers 15 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
61
Low End
62
Score
62
High End
Earnings $40,629/yr (10% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$425K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
80.9x
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)
$5,256
Out-of-state: $11,259

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

Explore what HVAC Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 260 programs nationwide.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Virginia Western Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 62/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for HVAC Technology at Virginia Western Community College?
A score of 62/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the HVAC Technology field.
How AI-proof is a career in HVAC Technology?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 11% of HVAC Technology tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 1 of 1 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
Is Virginia Western Community College one of the best schools for HVAC Technology?
Ranked #38 of 260 programs nationally, Virginia Western Community College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at Virginia Western Community College?
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 →