by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 71 U.S. colleges awarded 2,966 degrees and certificates in Physical Science Technicians. Associate degrees are the most popular award, at 39% of graduates. College Factual ranks 34 schools in its 2027 Best Physical Science Technicians Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $54,327 one year after completing, rising to $85,929 after four years.
A major in Physical Science Technology will allow you to work as a technician aiding research scientists in performing experiments, collecting data, making calculations, and drawing conclusions. You will take classes in chemistry, physics, computer science, biology, and scientific research to learn how to properly work the technology found in a research lab.
There are some concentrations available in this major. These include Chemical Technology or Chemical Process Technology. Any of these subjects prepare you for a career assisting research scientists.
Physical Science Technology is commonly offered as an Associate's degree, however some colleges offer this as a Bachelor's.
A degree in Physical Science Technicians covers Physical Science Technologies/technicians.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, physical science technicians draws strong interest, with 2,966 degrees awarded annually. 71 colleges award physical science technicians degrees, an average of 42 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 357.
By level, the 2,966 awards include 653 certificates, 1,160 associate degrees, 2 bachelor’s degrees and 1,150 master’s degrees.
Women earned 36% of physical science technicians degrees and certificates in the latest year (1,068 of 2,966). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are Hispanic or Latino (1,209) and White (1,112), and international students earned 53.
College Factual ranks 34 schools in its 2027 Best Physical Science Technicians Schools ranking, including 21 for associate degrees. It also ranks physical science technicians schools within 3 states. In all, 71 colleges offer physical science technicians programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Physical Science Technicians Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common physical science technicians credential is the associate degree: 1,160 of the 2,966 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to physical science technicians call most for Monitoring, Operations Monitoring and Reading Comprehension, and for knowledge of Chemistry, Production and Processing and English Language, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Oral Comprehension and Oral Expression.
Science experiments require closely controlled environments and accurate data collection and interpretation, making attention to detail very important. You should be good at observing small changes and keeping detailed notes. Since you will be working with a research scientist, it is important to have strong teamwork and communication skills. Students who are successful in this field often have a background in math and science, specifically physics and chemistry.
A degree in Physical Science Technologies most often leads to a full time job in an office or laboratory setting. Students and professionals may occasionally do work in the field collecting specimens. It is recommended that students interested in this field work an internship or summer job to gain experience. This will allow you to work closely with a professional and gain hands-on experience in a lab.
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How long a physical science technicians degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 653 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,160 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 2 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,150 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to physical science technicians, at 42.4%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 42.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 27.2% |
| Some college courses | 12.6% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 8.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 7.1% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 1.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.3% |
| Master’s degree | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
9 occupations are related to Physical Science Technicians, with an average median salary of $72,760; the strongest outlook belongs to Quality Control Analysts, at 12.9% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Chemical Process Operator, Process Operator, Chemical Operator and Chemical Plant Operator.
Physical Science Technology graduates often find jobs working as a lab technician in health service labs, pharmaceutical companies, energy research, and other physical science labs. Graduates aid research scientists with a variety of tasks to ensure experiments are properly conducted and the necessary data is collected.
The occupation related to physical science technicians with the most projected jobs is Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders, at 312,202.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | 312,202 | -0.0% |
| Chemical Plant and System Operators | 196,413 | 8.6% |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | 159,640 | 3.9% |
| Hydrologic Technicians | 139,812 | 4.0% |
| Chemical Technicians | 136,017 | 11.6% |
| Quality Control Analysts | 105,873 | 12.9% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | 71,781 | 0.4% |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | 56,828 | 9.9% |
Physical Science Technicians graduates earn a median $54,327 one year after completing their program, $85,929 after four years and $93,283 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $54,327 |
| 4 years | $85,929 |
| 5 years | $93,283 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to physical science technicians is Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians, with a median salary of $119,992.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | $119,992 |
| Remote Sensing Technicians | $99,834 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $95,957 |
| Hydrologic Technicians | $92,011 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $64,527 |
| Chemical Technicians | $60,181 |
| Quality Control Analysts | $53,423 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $41,550 |
Physical Science Technicians includes 3 concentrations that together award 2,966 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Chemical Technology/Technician (2,879), Chemical Process Technology (85) and Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other (2). It has 4 similar majors in the Science Technologies field, which together award 4,122 degrees a year; the largest are Science Technologies/Technicians, Other (2,474), Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians (1,215) and Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians (275). Browse all Science Technologies majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Chemical Technology/Technician | 2,879 |
| Chemical Process Technology | 85 |
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other | 2 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Science Technologies/Technicians, Other | 2,474 |
| Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians | 1,215 |
| Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians | 275 |
| SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES/TECHNICIANS | 158 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
