Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Motoring Technical Training Institute

With first-year earnings of $51,281, Motoring Technical's HVAC program places graduates well ahead of the pack—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among Massachusetts programs. That's 43% higher than the typical HVAC certificate program nationwide, and in Massachusetts, only New England Tractor Trailer's program produces better early earnings. The $9,500 in debt translates to a manageable 0.19 ratio against first-year income, meaning graduates carry less than three months' salary in student loans.

The challenge here is what happens next. Earnings drop to $47,568 by year four—still strong by HVAC standards, but a 7% decline that suggests graduates may be hitting their ceiling early or that some job placements don't sustain initial momentum. This pattern could reflect the realities of HVAC work in the region, where high starting wages don't always translate to steady advancement, or it might indicate that some graduates move between employers or face seasonal fluctuations.

For parents weighing this investment, the math still works in your favor. Your child would enter the workforce with minimal debt and immediate earning power that exceeds most alternatives in this field. Just recognize that the career trajectory may be flatter than the strong start suggests, making those early high-earning years particularly valuable for building financial stability.