HVAC Technology at West Georgia Technical College

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

a smaller institution with 4,811 students in Waco, GA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,572 track close to the $36,779 national median for HVAC Technology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 154.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 11% task exposure — and the 23% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for HVAC Technology graduates.

A #25 ranking out of 260 HVAC Technology programs nationally puts West Georgia Technical College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,572 to $46,080 shows 30% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 15 registered apprenticeships mapped to HVAC Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

64 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
61
Low End
64
Score
64
High End
Earnings $35,572/yr (-3% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$484K
6.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
155.1x
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)
$3,122
Out-of-state: $5,522
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,080
30% growth from Year 1

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 West Georgia Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does West Georgia Technical College's HVAC Technology program score?
This program scores 64/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for HVAC Technology graduates.
How AI-proof is a career in HVAC Technology?
HVAC Technology rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 11% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
Can I learn HVAC Technology through an apprenticeship instead of West Georgia Technical College?
If West Georgia Technical College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 15 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →