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HVAC Technology at Western Iowa Tech Community College

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

with a smaller student body of 2,589 in Sioux City, IA.

Program Analysis

At $36,401/yr, HVAC Technology graduates from Western Iowa Tech Community College land near the $36,779 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 75.5x 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.

Western Iowa Tech Community College ranks #46 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.

59 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
59
Score
59
High End
Earnings $36,401/yr (-1% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$381K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
75.5x
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)
$5,042
Out-of-state: $5,186

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

View all 260 schools offering HVAC Technology →

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Hennepin Technical College ($65,592) Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology ($58,336) Perry Technical Institute ($57,782) Ivy Tech Community College ($57,323) St Cloud Technical and Community College ($57,178) Minneapolis Community and Technical College ($56,191) Monroe Community College ($54,241) Century College ($52,870)

Other Majors at Western Iowa Tech Community College

Nursing ($63,214) Criminal Justice ($43,547) Allied Health Professions ($43,254) Precision Metalworking ($41,613) Vehicle Repair Technology ($37,520) Medical Assisting ($37,483) Electrical Installation ($35,556) Vehicle Repair Technology ($35,550)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at Western Iowa Tech Community College?
A score of 59/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the HVAC Technology field.
How safe is HVAC Technology from automation?
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.
What makes Western Iowa Tech Community College's HVAC Technology program stand out?
The #46 ranking out of 260 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for HVAC Technology?
Yes — 15 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to HVAC Technology career paths, including Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Western Iowa Tech Community College.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →