Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Mid-State Technical College

In Wisconsin, HVAC programs produce notably stronger outcomes than the national average—the state median sits at $47,892, with Western Technical College graduates earning over $52,000. Against that backdrop, Mid-State's estimated first-year earnings of $35,749 fall short, tracking closer to the national median than what peer programs in Wisconsin typically deliver. That gap matters in a field where technical skills translate directly into hourly wages.

The debt picture offers some reassurance. Based on comparable programs at Mid-State, graduates likely carry around $9,300 in loans—a manageable burden given the steady nature of HVAC work. The 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests the financial commitment isn't crushing, even with earnings below the state norm. Wisconsin HVAC programs generally produce low debt loads (state median is $5,500), so while Mid-State's figure is higher, it's not dramatically so.

The central question is why the earnings estimate lags Wisconsin peers by $10,000-15,000 annually. It could reflect local labor markets in Wisconsin Rapids versus larger metro areas, different industry connections, or variation in program intensity. For parents, this means the credential likely provides entry to stable work—HVAC technicians are consistently in demand—but you'll want to understand whether grads actually match these estimated earnings and why they might earn less than technicians from programs an hour away.