Key Takeaways

HVAC earnings usually grow as technicians gain field experience, certifications, and diagnostic skill. A simple projection helps compare school cost against likely cumulative wages over time.

  • Adjust starting pay for your local market
  • Use conservative wage growth when comparing schools
  • Subtract training cost to estimate net career value
Starting salary
Annual wage growth percent
Training cost
YearAnnual PayCumulative PayNet After Training
1$42,000$42,000$30,000
3$46,305$132,405$120,405
5$51,051$232,077$220,077
10$65,156$528,271$516,271