STEM
+5.3%Engineering
Build physical systems and solve complex technical problems, civil, mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering are the most common specializations.
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
Wondering whether Science Tech is worth studying? What matters is what graduates actually earn, where they end up working, and which colleges produce the most of them. Most graduates end up in this field, so it is worth knowing what Nuclear Power Reactor Operators earn and how the role is projected to grow.
Biotech, forensic science, nuclear technology, and environmental science. Practical lab and field training for scientific and technical support careers. Four years after finishing the degree, graduates in this field earn a national median of $68,416, per College Scorecard. You can study it at 287 colleges and universities across the country, so location is rarely the limiting factor. About 6,771 students complete a degree in this area every 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
-5.9%
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?
Pay for Science Tech graduates climbs fast in the first few years out. The median start is $60,013 one year after graduation, rising to $68,416 by year four, so the early salary is not the ceiling. Source: College Scorecard, 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
Studying Science Tech does not lock you into one job title. It opens 6 occupations tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from entry-level roles to senior ones, and Nuclear Power Reactor Operators pays the most among them at a median $122,890 a year. Each row below adds national wages, employment levels, and the 10-year growth outlook so you can weigh the rest.
Another common path leads to what Nuclear Technicians typically earn and how the field is trending.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
High school diploma or equivalent
$122,890
↘ -5.9% growth
Nuclear Technicians
Associate's degree
$110,240
↗ +1.1% growth
Chemical Technician
Associate's degree
$60,390
↗ +4.9% growth
Biological Technician
Bachelor's degree
$57,510
↗ +7.4% growth
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians
Associate's degree
$55,090
↗ +6.9% growth
Geological Technicians
Associate's degree
$53,350
↗ +3.6% growth
Science Tech Specializations
Which specialization you pick inside Science Tech matters more than usual here. Science Tech breaks into 5 specializations, and four-year earnings swing from $63,102 to $96,876 depending on which one you choose. Each row below links to a full program profile, sorted highest-paying first. Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying specialization is the cost and outcomes for a Science Technologies/Technicians program, which is worth a closer look before settling on the broader field.
Specialization
Colleges
Grads/yr
Earnings · 4yr
Best Colleges for Science Tech
These are the 20 colleges that graduate the most students in Science Tech, ranked by how many completed the degree in the most recent reporting year, not by selectivity or prestige. Acceptance rate, net price, earnings, and graduation rate for each one come from College Scorecard and IPEDS.
By that measure, the list starts with the cost and admissions data for Chattahoochee Technical College.
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
Weigh the financial trade-offs in Science Tech carefully before committing to it. The 3 strengths and 1 concerns below come from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts, so you can see exactly what is driving the caution.
PROS
- Above-average earnings Four-year median of $68,416 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science fields.
- Positive job outlook Related careers project up to +7.4% job growth over the next decade per BLS data.
- 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 1 related career 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?
$68,416 a year four years after finishing the degree. That is the national median, so half of graduates earn more and half earn less, and specialization, institution, and region move the number a lot. Use the specializations table on this page to see which tracks pay above and below it. Source: College Scorecard.
What is the starting salary for a Science Tech degree?
About $60,013 in the first year out, at the institutional level. That is an early number, not a ceiling, and it moves with employer, location, and which specialization within Science Tech you picked. Source: College Scorecard.
What jobs can you get with a Science Tech degree?
More than one path, so the degree does not lock you into a single title. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators pays the most among related roles, at a median $122,890 a year nationally, but it is one option among several. See the Career Paths section on this page for the full list with employment levels and 10-year growth projections. Source: BLS.
How many colleges offer Science Tech?
287 colleges and universities in the United States, so location is rarely the limiting factor. Options run from community colleges offering associate degrees to research universities with doctoral programs, so the harder choice is which type of school fits, not whether one is nearby. The Best Colleges section on this page ranks the top institutions by graduation volume. Source: IPEDS.
Is a Science Tech degree worth it?
For most students, yes, though the margin depends on which specialization and school you pick. Median 4-year earnings run $68,416 against an average net price of roughly $8,167 a year across institutions that offer this major, and high-earning specializations widen that gap considerably. Compare your specific program before assuming the average applies to you.
How long does it take to earn a Science Tech degree?
Four years for a bachelor's degree in Science Tech at the normal full-time pace, or two years for an associate version at a community college. Part-time or online study stretches that timeline out, and transfer credits can shorten it.
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?
Outlook is moderate: related occupations project an average of +3.0% growth over the next decade. Biological Technician leads the group at +7.4%. Demand still swings by specialization, employer sector, and region, so treat this as a starting point rather than a guarantee. Source: BLS.
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
Continue Exploring
Browse our full directory: every college, major, program, and career we track, all built from verified government data.
Colleges
Discover 3,811 verified US colleges and universities. Compare admissions, costs, outcomes, and earnings across every accredited institution nationwide.
Majors
Explore 38 fields of study spanning STEM, health, business, and the humanities. See earnings, top programs, and demand.
Programs
Browse 375 specific degree programs. See completion counts, earnings outcomes, and the colleges awarding the most graduates each year.
Careers
Look up 395 BLS occupations. Get median wages, growth projections, education requirements, and the majors leading to each career.