Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center

In Pennsylvania, HVAC programs show a wide earnings spread, with first-year pay ranging from about $33,000 to $44,000. Based on comparable programs statewide, Greater Johnstown's graduates likely earn around $37,288—right at the state median and above the national benchmark of $35,749. That's solidly middle-of-the-pack for a field where jobs are abundant and pay scales up with experience and certifications.

The estimated $9,298 in debt puts this program slightly below typical HVAC training costs both nationally and in Pennsylvania. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25, graduates from similar programs would owe roughly three months of their first year's salary—a manageable burden for a credential that leads directly to employment. The fact that 41% of students receive Pell grants suggests the school serves working-class families who need affordable pathways to stable careers, and these debt levels align with that mission.

The challenge with estimates here is that Greater Johnstown could be performing better or worse than peer schools—you won't know without talking to recent graduates or the school's placement office. What matters most is whether your child can complete the program quickly, pass EPA certification exams, and connect with local contractors who are hiring. In skilled trades, those factors often matter more than the school name on the certificate.