Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Northwest HVAC/R Training Center

This program presents a puzzling disconnect: graduates earn well above the national average for HVAC programs but lag significantly behind other Washington State options. At nearly $40,000 in first-year earnings, Northwest HVAC/R graduates out-earn the typical program nationally by $4,200. Yet within Washington, this places them in just the 25th percentile—meaning 75% of in-state HVAC programs produce higher earners. The state's median of $48,866 suggests graduates could earn roughly $9,000 more annually by choosing a different Washington program, with Perry Technical Institute's graduates pulling in nearly $58,000.

The modest debt load of $9,500 keeps this program affordable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 that shouldn't strain most budgets. For a student determined to stay in Spokane or unable to relocate for training, these numbers work—the program won't saddle them with crushing debt, and they'll enter a stable field with decent earning potential. However, for families with flexibility on location, the gap between this program and Washington's stronger HVAC options represents real money over a career.

If your student can attend Perry Technical in Yakima or explore other Washington alternatives, the earning premium likely justifies any additional logistical complexity. But if location anchors you to Spokane and the alternative is no credential at all, this program provides a reasonable entry point to skilled trades without financial disaster.