Physical Sciences graduates earn $68,944 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.2%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Natural Sciences Managers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.
This page covers Physical Sciences 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 Physical Sciences and how it pays overall, which is the better comparison if you are still choosing between subjects.
Physical Sciences is a specialized field of study. Pick this and you can expect to earn around $68,944 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. You will not have trouble finding it: 214 colleges offer this program, from community colleges to research universities. About 2,747 students complete it each year, most walking away with a associate's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$41,504
Median Earnings · 4yr
$68,944
Colleges Offering
214
Graduates / Year
2,747
Avg Net Price / yr
$9,528
How Much Do Physical Sciences Graduates Earn?
Four years after finishing Physical Sciences, a typical graduate earns $68,944, above the national median for college graduates. Half of earners land somewhere between $47,921 and $91,964, so where you end up depends on the job and the employer. Do not judge the field on a starting paycheck alone: pay tends to jump in the first few years, climbing from $41,504 at one year out to $68,944 by year four. Source: College Scorecard.
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$68,944
4-Year National Median
Above the national median for college graduates.
$68,781
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
Not every Physical Sciences graduate ends up in the same place. Earnings spread out widely, so know what pushes people to one end or the other. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.
$47,92125th pct.
$68,944Median
$91,96475th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $68,944 against an estimated $38,112 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 95 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 2,747 students who complete Physical Sciences programs each year, the majority (84%) earn a associate's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
84%
Associate's84%
Bachelor's13%
Master's2%
What Can You Do With a Physical Sciences Degree?
This degree does not lock you into one job. Physical Sciences graduates show up in 2 different occupations, and Natural Sciences Managers pay the most at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card below to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.
Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
Top Colleges for Physical Sciences
Not sure where to study Physical Sciences? 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 Physical Sciences graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Physical Sciences Programs
Physical Sciences is not the only path through Physical Sciences: 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 Physical Sciences program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
Strong earnings and positive career growth make Physical Sciences a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.
PROS
Above-average earningsFour-year median of $68,944 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $41,504 at graduation to $68,944 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +8.2% over the next decade, with Natural Sciences Managers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 72,700 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Declining roles in some areas1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
$68,944 four years after finishing the program. Half of graduates land between $47,921 and $91,964, so employer, role, and location move that number more than the degree itself. Source: College Scorecard.
What is the starting salary for a Physical Sciences degree?
$41,504 in the first year out. That grows to $68,944 by year four, so do not judge this field on the entry-level number alone. Most of the gain shows up once you clear the first few years and move past entry-level roles. Source: College Scorecard.
What jobs can you get with a Physical Sciences degree?
Natural Sciences Managers are one path, and it pays a median of $167,220 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 Physical Sciences program take?
Two years full-time at a community college for a Physical Sciences associate degree. Many students use it as a stepping stone, transferring to a four-year school afterward to finish a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Physical Sciences?
214 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.
Is a Physical Sciences degree worth it?
$68,944 median earnings four years out against $9,528 a year in average net price. That is a fast payback, and it holds up especially well at lower-cost schools. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific schools before deciding. Source: College Scorecard.
What skills do employers look for in Physical Sciences graduates?
Coursework alone will not get you hired. Employers hiring Physical Sciences graduates consistently look for analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework. Build those into your coursework and internships now, and the job search later gets easier.
Is graduate school worth it for Physical Sciences graduates?
Usually worth considering. A master's in a STEM field 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. Weigh that against your own career goals, the program's cost, and whether your target role actually rewards the advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Physical Sciences graduates?
Outlook is moderate overall: related occupations average +4.0% projected job growth over the next 10 years. Natural Sciences Managers are among the strongest-growth roles at +8.2%. That average hides real differences by role and location, so check the Career Paths section below for the projection on each specific occupation before you count on any single number.
Related Physical Sciences Programs
Other programs in Physical Sciences. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
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