Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 34.5%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $33219 and average student debt of $11464, the financial outlook for Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Wondering if Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $33219, and the average student debt is $11464, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.35—a strong position for financial independence.
With an annual graduating class of 21415 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (CIP 47.0201) is a skilled technical trade focused on installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing climate-control and refrigeration systems that keep buildings safe, comfortable, and operational. HVAC/R technicians work on the systems that regulate temperature, humidity, air quality, and refrigeration in homes, hospitals, schools, factories, data centers, and commercial facilities. This degree prepares students for a high-demand, hands-on career that blends mechanical skill, electrical knowledge, and problem-solving.
For a degree search site, HVAC/R Maintenance Technology represents stability, essential infrastructure, and strong earning potential. Climate control is not optional—modern life depends on it. From extreme heat and cold to food preservation and medical storage, HVAC/R systems are mission-critical. This degree appeals to students who want a future-proof technical career with consistent demand, licensing pathways, and opportunities for specialization or self-employment without a four-year engineering degree.
What Is an HVAC/R Maintenance Technology Degree?
A Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician degree or certificate is a workforce-focused program that trains students to service and maintain HVAC and refrigeration systems. Unlike design-oriented engineering programs, this degree emphasizes applied skills, diagnostics, and real-world repair work.
This degree typically focuses on:
- Heating and cooling system operation
- Air distribution and ventilation systems
- Refrigeration cycles and components
- Electrical controls and diagnostics
- Safety, codes, and environmental regulations
Community colleges, technical institutes, and trade schools offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for entry-level HVAC/R technician roles
- Support apprenticeship and licensing requirements
- Address persistent shortages of skilled HVAC professionals
- Train technicians for residential, commercial, and industrial systems
HVAC/R programs emphasize hands-on labs, system simulations, and jobsite-style training.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems work as integrated systems. You’ll study how heat is transferred, how air is circulated and filtered, and how refrigerants move through compressors, coils, and expansion devices.
The curriculum emphasizes diagnostics and maintenance. Students learn to identify system inefficiencies, troubleshoot electrical and mechanical failures, perform preventive maintenance, and restore systems safely and efficiently. Because HVAC/R work directly affects safety, comfort, and energy use, attention to detail and regulatory compliance are core expectations.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- HVAC system diagnostics and troubleshooting—identifying failures
- Preventive maintenance procedures—extending system life
- Electrical and control systems understanding—thermostats, relays, motors
- Refrigeration cycle knowledge—compressors, condensers, evaporators
- Airflow, ventilation, and duct systems—distribution and balance
- Use of diagnostic tools—gauges, meters, and analyzers
- Safety and environmental compliance—refrigerant handling and EPA rules
- Customer and jobsite communication—service documentation and reporting
These skills apply across residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC/R environments.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework in an HVAC/R maintenance program commonly includes:
- Introduction to HVAC/R Systems: heating, cooling, and refrigeration basics
- Electrical Fundamentals for HVAC: circuits and controls
- Heating Systems: furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps
- Air Conditioning Systems: cooling cycles and components
- Refrigeration Technology: commercial and industrial refrigeration
- Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality: airflow and filtration
- HVAC Controls and Automation: thermostats and control logic
- EPA Refrigerant Handling and Safety: environmental compliance
- System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting: fault isolation
- Applied Lab or Field Practicum: hands-on system service
Many programs align coursework with industry certifications and licensing exams.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician degree prepares students for direct entry into HVAC/R service roles. Advancement is based on experience, certifications, and technical breadth.
Common career paths include:
- HVAC/R Technician or Apprentice: system installation and service
- Residential HVAC Technician: home heating and cooling
- Commercial HVAC Technician: large building systems
- Refrigeration Technician: food and cold-storage systems
- Facilities or Maintenance Technician: building operations
- Service and Repair Specialist: diagnostics and troubleshooting
- Long-Term Path: senior technician, supervisor, contractor, or business owner
Licensing and certifications significantly expand career options and earnings.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work wherever climate control or refrigeration is required:
- HVAC and mechanical contracting companies
- Residential and commercial service firms
- Hospitals, schools, and public buildings
- Manufacturing and industrial facilities
- Food storage, grocery, and cold-chain operations
- Facilities and property management organizations
- Self-employed or small HVAC businesses
HVAC/R technicians are essential in every climate and region.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by location, certification level, and specialization.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level HVAC/R technicians: often $45,000–$55,000
- Experienced or licensed technicians: commonly $60,000–$85,000
- Senior technicians, specialists, or contractors: can reach $90,000–$120,000+
Overtime, emergency service, certifications, and business ownership can significantly increase income.
Is This Degree Hard?
HVAC/R Maintenance Technology is considered technically demanding but highly practical. Students must be comfortable with applied math, electrical systems, mechanical components, and troubleshooting under real-world conditions. Physical work, tight spaces, and varying weather are common.
The challenge lies in diagnosing complex systems accurately while maintaining safety and compliance.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy hands-on technical work
- Like solving mechanical and electrical problems
- Want strong job security and demand
- Prefer applied learning over theory-heavy academics
- Are interested in licensing or owning a business
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for an HVAC/R maintenance program:
- Take math, physics, and technical education courses
- Develop strong problem-solving and mechanical reasoning skills
- Learn basic electrical safety and tool use
- Participate in shop, STEM, or trade-focused programs if available
- Build responsibility, reliability, and attention to detail
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (CIP 47.0201) is a high-demand, future-resistant degree for students who want to work at the core of modern comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. It delivers practical technical mastery, strong wages, and long-term career stability across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. For those drawn to hands-on problem-solving, essential systems, and real-world impact, this degree provides a powerful and reliable career foundation.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor