Most Science Technologies/Technicians programs take two years to complete. Graduates start earning $59,366 right after finishing, climbing to $68,416 four years out.
Science Technologies/Technicians is a focused area of study within Science Tech. Graduates typically earn around $68,416 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 82 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 2,436 students complete this program each year, most earning a associate's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$59,366
Median Earnings · 4yr
$68,416
Colleges Offering
82
Graduates / Year
2,436
Avg Net Price / yr
$8,996
How Much Do Science Technologies/Technicians Graduates Earn?
Science Technologies/Technicians graduates earn $68,416 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $50,248 and $95,851.
$59,366
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings in this field tend to be stable early on. Expect the four-year median to closely reflect your long-term starting point.
$68,416
4-Year National Median
Above the national median for college graduates.
$75,425
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Science Technologies/Technicians graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.
$50,24825th pct.
$68,416Median
$95,85175th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $68,416 against an estimated $35,984 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 16 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 2,436 students who complete Science Technologies/Technicians programs each year, the majority (83%) earn a associate's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
83%
Associate's83%
Bachelor's14%
Master's2%
What Can You Do With a Science Technologies/Technicians Degree?
Science Technologies/Technicians connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Environmental Science and Protection Technicians leads at $55,090/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
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.
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 Science Technologies/Technicians
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Science Technologies/Technicians students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Science Technologies/Technicians graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Science Tech Programs
Science Technologies/Technicians is one of 5 specializations within Science Tech. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
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The data on Science Technologies/Technicians shows 2 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Above-average earningsFour-year median of $68,416 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
High upside potentialTop earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $95,851, a strong ceiling for high performers.
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.
How much do Science Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?
Science Technologies/Technicians graduates earn a national median of $68,416 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $50,248 and $95,851. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Science Technologies/Technicians degree?
One year after graduation, Science Technologies/Technicians degree holders earn a median of $59,366. That climbs to $68,416 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Science Technologies/Technicians degree?
Science Technologies/Technicians degree holders pursue careers including Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, which pays a median of $55,090/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Science Technologies/Technicians program take?
A 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 Science Technologies/Technicians?
82 colleges and universities in the United States offer Science Technologies/Technicians programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Science Technologies/Technicians degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $68,416 and an average net price of roughly $8,996/yr, a Science Technologies/Technicians degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Science Technologies/Technicians and Science Tech?
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 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 Science Technologies/Technicians graduates?
Employers hiring 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 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 Science Technologies/Technicians graduates?
The job outlook for Science Technologies/Technicians graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +2.8% 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.
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