STEM
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STEM
Science Tech
Salary data, career paths, top colleges, and every specialization, all sourced from College Scorecard, IPEDS, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
About Science Tech
Biotech, forensic science, nuclear technology, and environmental science — practical lab and field training for scientific and technical support careers. Graduates earn a national median of $68,416 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. The field is offered at 287 colleges and universities across the United States. Approximately 6,771 students complete degrees in this area each year.
- Median Earnings · 1yr
- $60,013
- Median Earnings · 4yr
- $68,416
- Colleges Offering
- 287
- Graduates / Year
- 6,771
- Specializations
- 4
- Avg Net Price / yr
- $8,167
Is a Science Tech Degree Right for You?
$68,416
Median earnings · 4yr
-15.3%
10yr job growth
4
Specializations
Is the Investment Worth It?
Breaks even in
~0.9
yrs
vs $30K/yr baseline wage
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $68,416 against an estimated $32,668 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
ROI varies significantly by specialization and institution. A top program in a high-demand specialization can return many multiples of its cost. A lower-tier program in a saturated field may take a decade to break even. Use the Specializations and Best Colleges sections above to compare your specific options before deciding.
How Much Do Science Tech Majors Earn?
Science Tech graduates start at a median $60,013 one year out and reach $68,416 four years later. Both figures are national medians from College Scorecard, measured across all 287 US institutions offering programs in this field.
$60,013
1 Year After Graduation
Median at the institutional level. Entry-level salaries; reflects career start, not peak earnings.
$68,416
4-Year National Median
Enrollment-weighted national median across all institutions. Most graduates have 2-3 years of career experience at this point.
$75,919
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size. Closer to what a typical school's graduates earn.
Earnings Range Across Specializations
Not all Science Tech specializations pay the same. The most lucrative programs pay $96,876/yr nationally, while the lowest-earning specializations average $63,102/yr. See the Specializations section below for a program-by-program breakdown.
$63,102
Lowest
$68,416
Median
$96,876
Highest
What Can You Do With a Science Tech Degree?
Career Paths for Science Tech Graduates
Science Tech connects to 6 occupations tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, spanning entry-level and senior roles. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators leads in median earnings at $122,890/yr. Each row includes national wages, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
High school diploma or equivalent
$122,890
↘ -15.3% growth
Nuclear Technicians
Associate's degree
$110,240
↘ -7.7% growth
Chemical Technician
Associate's degree
$60,390
↗ +3.7% growth
Biological Technician
Bachelor's degree
$57,510
↗ +3.5% growth
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians
Associate's degree
$55,090
↗ +4.0% growth
Geological Technicians
Associate's degree
$53,350
↗ +1.5% growth
Science Tech Specializations
Science Tech breaks into 5 specializations. Earnings range widely from $63,102 to $96,876 at the four-year mark. Each row links to a dedicated program profile. Sorted highest-paying first, based on national College Scorecard data.
Specialization
Colleges
Grads/yr
Earnings · 4yr
Best Colleges for Science Tech
The 20 colleges below are ranked by Science Tech graduate volume, how many students completed this degree in the last reporting year. All data points shown (acceptance rate, net price, earnings, grad rate) come from College Scorecard and IPEDS.
1
Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta, GA · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$3,407
Earnings 10yr
$37,138
Grad rate
15%
2
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$7,052
Earnings 10yr
$30,848
Grad rate
23%
3
Athens Technical College
Athens, GA · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$6,949
Earnings 10yr
$35,951
Grad rate
25%
4
Frederick Community College
Frederick, MD · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$9,465
Earnings 10yr
$46,449
Grad rate
30%
5
Lee College
Baytown, TX · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$6,879
Earnings 10yr
$42,178
Grad rate
25%
6
Oakland Community College
Auburn Hills, MI · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$5,777
Earnings 10yr
$37,395
Grad rate
9%
7
Atlanta Technical College
Atlanta, GA · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$-914
Earnings 10yr
$30,350
Grad rate
26%
8
Lamar Institute of Technology
Beaumont, TX · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$13,866
Earnings 10yr
$38,991
Grad rate
29%
9
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO · Nonprofit
Acceptance
75%
Net price/yr
$24,398
Earnings 10yr
$70,783
Grad rate
71%
10
Lamar State College-Orange
Orange, TX · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$1,655
Earnings 10yr
$36,587
Grad rate
31%
11
Cowley County Community College
Arkansas City, KS · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$7,175
Earnings 10yr
$37,723
Grad rate
23%
12
Savannah Technical College
Savannah, GA · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$6,114
Earnings 10yr
$33,018
Grad rate
27%
13
Kean University
Union, NJ · Public
Acceptance
75.9%
Net price/yr
$12,447
Earnings 10yr
$57,237
Grad rate
56%
14
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Valdosta, GA · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$614
Earnings 10yr
$30,864
Grad rate
24%
15
Middlesex Community College
Bedford, MA · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$2,624
Earnings 10yr
$50,651
Grad rate
23%
16
Wharton County Junior College
Wharton, TX · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$4,666
Earnings 10yr
$44,960
Grad rate
20%
17
Kilgore College
Kilgore, TX · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$5,364
Earnings 10yr
$37,975
Grad rate
30%
18
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ · Public
Acceptance
89.9%
Net price/yr
$14,967
Earnings 10yr
$62,668
Grad rate
59%
19
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ · Public
Acceptance
89.6%
Net price/yr
$14,158
Earnings 10yr
$54,384
Grad rate
57%
20
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ · Public
Acceptance
86.1%
Net price/yr
$16,674
Earnings 10yr
$59,979
Grad rate
58%
Ranked by number of Science Tech graduates per IPEDS completion data. Acceptance rate, net price, earnings, and graduation rate from College Scorecard. Read our methodology →
How Science Tech Compares to Similar Majors
Major
$30k
$40k
$50k
$60k
$70k
$80k
$90k
$100k
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 Science Tech degree, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if a Science Tech 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.
Science Tech Degree: Pros & Cons
Science Tech carries financial trade-offs that prospective students should weigh carefully before committing. The 2 strengths and 1 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.
PROS
- Above-average earnings Four-year median of $68,416 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science fields.
- High-earning specializations available Top specializations report median earnings of $96,876, creating strong upside for students who choose a high-demand track.
CONS
- Declining roles in some areas 2 related careers within this field show negative 10-year employment projections per BLS. Research specific roles carefully before committing.
Science Tech Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Science Tech graduates earn?
Science Tech graduates earn a national median of $68,416 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. Earnings vary significantly by specialization, institution, and region. Use the specializations table on this page to compare programs.
What is the starting salary for a Science Tech degree?
The median earnings one year after graduation for Science Tech degree holders is $60,013 at the institutional level, per College Scorecard. Starting salaries vary by employer, location, and specific specialization within the field.
What jobs can you get with a Science Tech degree?
Science Tech degree holders work in a range of careers. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators is one of the top roles by median wage ($122,890/yr nationally per BLS data). See the Career Paths section on this page for a full breakdown of related occupations, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
How many colleges offer Science Tech?
287 colleges and universities in the United States offer programs in Science Tech, per IPEDS data. Options range from community colleges offering associate degrees to research universities with doctoral programs. The Best Colleges section on this page ranks the top institutions by graduation volume.
Is a Science Tech degree worth it?
At a median 4-year earnings of $68,416 and an average net price of roughly $8,167/yr across institutions offering this major, a Science Tech degree can deliver strong returns, particularly in high-earning specializations. The ROI depends heavily on which institution and specialization you choose.
How long does it take to earn a Science Tech degree?
A bachelor's degree in Science Tech typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years. Online and part-time options can adjust these timelines based on your schedule and transfer credits.
What skills do employers look for in Science Tech graduates?
Employers hiring Science Tech graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, data interpretation, and problem-solving. Strong foundational skills in math, science, or programming are expected, and employers often prioritize candidates with internship or research experience.
Is graduate school worth it for Science Tech graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000–$40,000 to long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly requires or rewards an advanced credential.
What is the 10-year job outlook for Science Tech graduates?
Based on BLS projections, the job outlook for Science Tech graduates is mixed, with some declining roles, with an average of -1.7% projected growth across related occupations. Environmental Science and Protection Technicians is among the strongest-growth roles at +4.0%. Demand will vary by specialization, employer sector, and geographic region.
Related Findings
-
The Shrinking Majors, Where the Jobs Are Disappearing
Of 38 college major fields, only three face shrinking job demand over the decade. Precision production leads the decline at minus 7.4 percent, and it pays below average too.
- Job growth
- Shrinking majors
- BLS projections
- Precision production
- Communications technology
-
All 38 Majors, Ranked by What Graduates Earn
The highest-earning college major out-pays the lowest by a factor of two and a half. The full ranking of all 38 fields by median graduate earnings, with job growth alongside.
- Major earnings
- Highest paying majors
- Job growth
- STEM
- Field of study
-
Does Engineering Tech Out-Earn Engineering? The Data Says No
A popular claim holds that the applied engineering-tech degree pays more than the theoretical one. Across every program, engineering wins by about $10,000.
- Engineering tech
- Engineering
- Program earnings
- Applied degree
- Technician careers
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