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

Estimated first-year earnings of $35,749 land roughly $12,000 below what HVAC programs typically produce in Wisconsin, where the state median sits at $47,892. That's a significant gap for a skilled trade where demand remains strong and earnings tend to climb quickly. Programs at Western Technical College ($52,820) and Chippewa Valley Technical College ($42,963) show what Wisconsin students can expect when schools report actual outcomes—and Waukesha's peer-program estimates suggest its graduates may be entering the workforce at a competitive disadvantage.

The estimated debt load of $9,298 sits slightly below the national median for HVAC certificates and well above Wisconsin's typical $5,500—though at 26% of first-year earnings, it remains manageable for a trade credential. Based on comparable programs nationwide, graduates could reasonably pay this off within a year or two once their earnings accelerate beyond entry level. The modest debt partially offsets concerns about the lower starting salary, but only if career progression follows typical HVAC trajectories.

The real question is whether this program's outcomes match its Wisconsin peers or fall closer to national averages. Given that other Wisconsin technical colleges report substantially stronger earnings, parents should contact Waukesha directly about graduate placement rates and starting wages before committing. The skilled trades offer solid career paths, but the right program matters—and these estimates suggest this one may underperform compared to other in-state options.