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

Perry Technical Institute's HVAC program commands higher debt than typical—$17,146 versus the Washington state median of $13,323—but the investment pays off quickly. Graduates earn $57,782 in their first year, crushing both the national median ($35,749) and Washington's state median ($48,866). This places Perry in the 95th percentile nationally, and even within Washington's competitive HVAC market, it ranks solidly in the 60th percentile. Four years out, earnings climb to $67,583, showing healthy wage progression as technicians gain experience and certifications.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 means graduates owe roughly three and a half months of their first year's salary—a manageable burden that most can clear within a few years while building equity in a stable, recession-resistant trade. Nearly half of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program successfully serves working-class families seeking upward mobility. While Washington has nine HVAC programs to choose from, Perry's combination of strong placement earnings and reasonable debt load stands out.

For families willing to invest slightly more upfront, Perry delivers measurably better career launch earnings than cheaper alternatives. The premium appears justified by the results: graduates enter the workforce earning 18% more than the state median and nearly 62% more than the national average for HVAC certificates.