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Physical Science Technologies/Technicians

STEM Specialization

Physical Science Technologies/Technicians

Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates pursue 3 occupations, with top roles paying $60,390/yr or more. The career cards below break down wages, daily tasks, and 10-year job growth projections for each.

Explore Program

About Physical Science Technologies/Technicians

Physical Science Technologies/Technicians is a focused area of study within Science Tech. The program is available at 96 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 2,688 students complete this program each year, most earning a associate's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.

Colleges Offering: 96
Graduates / Year: 2,688
Avg Net Price / yr: $6,911

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 2,688 students who complete Physical Science Technologies/Technicians programs each year, the majority (65%) earn a associate's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

33% 65%

Associate's 65%

Certificate 33%

Master's 2%

What Can You Do With a Physical Science Technologies/Technicians Degree?

Physical Science Technologies/Technicians connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Chemical Technician leads at $60,390/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.7% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Chemical Technician

$60,390

$49K $76K 25th–75th pct.

Associate's degree 6,700 openings/yr 58K employed nationally

Science Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Monitoring Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.

Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.

↗ +4.0% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians

$55,090

$46K $70K 25th–75th pct.

Associate's degree 5,600 openings/yr 35K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Active Listening Writing Speaking Critical Thinking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.

Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.

↗ +1.5% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Geological Technicians

$53,350

$45K $72K 25th–75th pct.

Associate's degree 1,300 openings/yr 7K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Time Management Monitoring Writing

Day-to-day responsibilities

Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.

Test and analyze samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory apparatus or testing equipment.
Collect or prepare solid or fluid samples for analysis.
Compile, log, or record testing or operational data for review and further analysis.

Top Colleges for Physical Science Technologies/Technicians

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Physical Science Technologies/Technicians 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	Lee College Baytown, TX · Public	110	Open	$6,879	$42,178
2	Lamar Institute of Technology Beaumont, TX · Public	96	Open	$13,866	$38,991
3	Lamar State College-Orange Orange, TX · Public	77	Open	$1,655	$36,587
4	Kilgore College Kilgore, TX · Public	44	Open	$5,364	$37,975
5	Wharton County Junior College Wharton, TX · Public	36	Open	$4,666	$44,960
6	Lamar State College-Port Arthur Port Arthur, TX · Public	36	Open	$2,846	$37,120
7	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public	29	39.2%	$14,091	$78,466
8	Purdue University Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, IN · Public	25	83.9%	$13,171	$45,872
9	Victoria College Victoria, TX · Public	22	Open	$3,043	$42,382
10	Ashland Community and Technical College Ashland, KY · Public	20	Open	$5,717	$34,504
11	CUNY New York City College of Technology Brooklyn, NY · Public	17	80.3%	$5,127	$49,365
12	Texas State Technical College Waco, TX · Public	16	Open	$13,508	$38,916
13	SOWELA Technical Community College Lake Charles, LA · Public	16	Open	$7,525	$32,303
14	Sacramento City College Sacramento, CA · Public	14	Open	$6,614	$42,214
15	Jefferson Community and Technical College Louisville, KY · Public	10	Open	$6,376	$38,171
16	BridgeValley Community & Technical College South Charleston, WV · Public	9	Open	$4,565	$36,432
17	Community College of Rhode Island Warwick, RI · Public	7	Open	$6,513	$42,659
18	Delta College University Center, MI · Public	7	Open	$4,547	$37,781
19	Chattanooga State Community College Chattanooga, TN · Public	6	Open	$5,283	$37,598
20	Northeast State Community College Blountville, TN · Public	6	Open	$6,864	$34,553

View all colleges

Ranked by Physical Science Technologies/Technicians 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 Physical Science Technologies/Technicians program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Physical Science Technologies/Technicians 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.

Physical Science Technologies/Technicians Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Physical Science Technologies/Technicians shows 1 measurable strengths and 0 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 13,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.

Physical Science Technologies/Technicians Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs can you get with a Physical Science Technologies/Technicians degree?

Physical Science Technologies/Technicians degree holders pursue careers including Chemical Technician, which pays a median of $60,390/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Physical Science Technologies/Technicians program take?

A Physical Science Technologies/Technicians associate degree typically takes two years full-time at a community college. Many students transfer to a four-year university afterward to complete a bachelor's.

How many colleges offer Physical Science Technologies/Technicians?

96 colleges and universities in the United States offer Physical Science Technologies/Technicians programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

What is the difference between Physical Science Technologies/Technicians and Science Tech?

Physical Science Technologies/Technicians is a focused concentration within the broader Science Tech field. The Science Tech major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Physical Science Technologies/Technicians-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 Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates?

Employers hiring Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.

Is graduate school worth it for Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates?

In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates?

The job outlook for Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +3.1% job growth over the next 10 years. Environmental Science and Protection Technicians is among the strongest-growth roles at +4.0%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.