Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology graduates vary by role and location. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers earn a median of $59,810 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Alaska average $83,660 compared to $46,040 in West Virginia. Approximately 396,870 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 597 accredited institutions offer Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (432 graduates), Eastern Arizona College (EAC) (359 graduates), and Southern Technical College (STC) (318 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 19,160 in 2010 to 23,253 in 2023-24. This represents a 21% increase overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

This degree prepares you for roles such as Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. Related occupations employ approximately 396,870 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.