Heating graduates pursue 1 occupations, with top roles paying $61,010/yr or more. The career cards below break down wages, daily tasks, and 10-year job growth projections for each.
This page covers Heating as a course of study: what it costs, where it is taught, and what graduates go on to earn. It sits inside the wider field of Mechanics & Repair and how it pays overall, which is the better comparison if you are still choosing between subjects.
Heating is a focused area of study within Mechanics & Repair. You will not have trouble finding it: 676 colleges offer this program, from community colleges to research universities. About 21,415 students complete it each year, most walking away with a certificate. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.
Colleges Offering
676
Graduates / Year
21,415
Avg Net Price / yr
$15,368
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 21,415 students who complete Heating programs each year, the majority (82%) earn a certificate degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
82%
Certificate82%
Associate's15%
Doctorate3%
What Can You Do With a Heating Degree?
This degree does not lock you into one job. Heating graduates show up in 1 different occupations, and HVAC Technician pays the most at $61,010/yr median. Expand any card below to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
Top Colleges for Heating
Not sure where to study Heating? These 20 colleges graduate the most students in it each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Heating graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Mechanics & Repair Programs
Heating is not the only path through Mechanics & Repair: 7 other specializations sit alongside it. The comparison below ranks them by 4-year median earnings so you can see where this one lands.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Heating program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Heating shows 3 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +10.9% over the next decade, with HVAC Technician among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 40,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availabilityOffered at 676 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.
CONS
Licensure often requiredMany positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
Heating Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
What jobs can you get with a Heating degree?
HVAC Technician is one path, and it pays a median of $61,010 a year. It is not the only one: the Career Paths section below lists every occupation graduates actually go into, with wages and 10-year growth for each.
How long does a Heating program take?
One to two years of full-time study for most Heating certificates, and some community colleges get you through in a single semester. That makes it one of the fastest ways into the field.
How many colleges offer Heating?
676 colleges and universities, so you are not short on options. That range runs from community colleges granting certificates and associate degrees to research universities with full doctoral tracks. Source: IPEDS.
What is the difference between Heating and Mechanics & Repair?
Heating is the narrower of the two: Mechanics & Repair covers the full discipline, while this program limits the curriculum to Heating-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. Pick the specialization once you already know this is the direction you want; it gets you a more targeted credential, not a broader one.
What skills do employers look for in Heating graduates?
Coursework alone will not get you hired. Employers hiring Heating graduates consistently look for technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field. Build those into your coursework and internships now, and the job search later gets easier.
Related Mechanics & Repair Programs
Other programs in Mechanics & Repair. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
Free, data-backed guides to help you decide, built on the same federal data as this profile.
H
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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