HVAC Technology at Wharton County Junior College

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

a smaller institution with 4,832 students in Wharton, TX.

Program Analysis

Wharton County Junior College's HVAC Technology program produces graduates earning $32,414/yr — within striking distance of the $36,779 national average for this trade.

The 116.3x 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.

With only 11% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 0%. Career paths for HVAC Technology are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

Ranked #43 out of 260 programs, Wharton County Junior College's HVAC Technology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

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

61 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
61
Score
60
High End
Earnings $32,414/yr (-12% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$339K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
116.3x
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)
$2,916
Out-of-state: $5,568

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

What can you do with a HVAC Technology credential from Wharton County Junior College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at Wharton County Junior College?
At 61/100, Wharton County Junior College's HVAC Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Will AI replace HVAC Technology jobs?
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 Wharton County Junior College's HVAC Technology program stand out?
Ranked #43 of 260 programs nationally, Wharton County Junior College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Are there apprenticeship options for HVAC Technology?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to HVAC Technology. For students weighing Wharton County Junior College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →