TRADES Specialization

Heating

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.

Explore Program

About Heating

Heating is a focused area of study within Mechanics & Repair. The program is available at 676 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 21,415 students complete this program each year, most earning 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%

Certificate 82%

Associate's 15%

Doctorate 3%

What Can You Do With a Heating Degree?

Heating connects to 1 occupations in the job market. HVAC Technician leads at $61,010/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +8.1% Zone 3: Medium preparation

HVAC Technician

$61,010

$48K $77K 25th–75th pct.

Postsecondary nondegree award 40,100 openings/yr 410K employed nationally

Operations Monitoring Critical Thinking Troubleshooting Repairing Installation

Day-to-day responsibilities

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

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Heating students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Southern Technical College Orlando, FL · For-Profit	310	Open	$20,623	$29,893
2	Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN · Public	208	Open	$7,258	$37,186
3	Universal Technical Institute-Canton Canton, MI · For-Profit	179	Open	$22,985	$62,575
4	Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MN · Public	139	Open	$10,272	$49,460
5	Institute of Technology Clovis, CA · For-Profit	122	Open	$23,159	$35,095
6	Century College White Bear Lake, MN · Public	109	Open	$10,906	$46,424
7	Lamson Institute San Antonio, TX · For-Profit	92	Open	$26,587	$38,015
8	UEI College-Gardena Gardena, CA · For-Profit	91	Open	$28,691	$30,848
9	Northshore Technical Community College Lacombe, LA · Public	77	Open	$10,773	$29,734
10	Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee Muskogee, OK · Public	74	Open	$4,895	$33,208
11	Moraine Valley Community College Palos Hills, IL · Public	73	Open	$2,829	$43,892
12	Hinds Community College Raymond, MS · Public	64	Open	$4,060	$30,774
13	Maysville Community and Technical College Maysville, KY · Public	62	Open	$4,605	$32,194
14	Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, NC · Public	61	Open	$8,759	$41,769
15	Intellitec College-Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO · For-Profit	60	Open	$30,716	$42,169
16	Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire, WI · Public	58	Open	$12,285	$46,297
17	Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Lancaster, PA · Public	56	71.2%	$14,104	$54,681
18	Fortis College-Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH · For-Profit	56	Open	$29,614	$36,368
19	San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula Temecula, CA · For-Profit	55	Open	$25,869	$38,317
20	New Castle School of Trades New Castle, PA · For-Profit	53	Open	$8,361	$44,814

View all colleges

Ranked by Heating graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

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.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Heating degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Heating Degree: Pros & Cons

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 field Related careers are projected to grow up to +8.1% over the next decade, with HVAC Technician among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 40,100 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availability Offered at 676 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.

CONS

Licensure often required Many 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?

Heating degree holders pursue careers including HVAC Technician, which pays a median of $61,010/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Heating program take?

Most Heating certificate programs take one to two years of full-time study. Some are available in as little as one semester at community colleges.

How many colleges offer Heating?

676 colleges and universities in the United States offer Heating programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

What is the difference between Heating and Mechanics & Repair?

Heating is a focused concentration within the broader Mechanics & Repair field. The Mechanics & Repair major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Heating-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Heating graduates?

Employers hiring Heating graduates consistently prioritize 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.