HVAC Technology at Wenatchee Valley College

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

a compact campus enrolling 1,762 students in Wenatchee, WA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $50,579 put Wenatchee Valley College's HVAC Technology program 38% above the national median of $36,779 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 51.7x 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.

Wenatchee Valley College ranks #45 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.

60 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
60
Low End
60
Score
60
High End
Earnings $50,579/yr (38% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$529K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
51.7x
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)
$10,236
Out-of-state: $11,304

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

Other Majors at Wenatchee Valley College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Wenatchee Valley College's HVAC Technology program score?
A score of 60/100 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 Wenatchee Valley College one of the best schools for HVAC Technology?
Among 260 HVAC Technology programs, Wenatchee Valley College's #45 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a HVAC Technology program at Wenatchee Valley College?
Beyond Wenatchee Valley College's classroom route, 15 registered apprenticeships map to HVAC Technology careers — including Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →