by our College Data Analytics TeamA 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. Continue reading for the key facts every physical science technicians major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering physical science technicians programs.
Nationwide, physical science technicians draws strong interest, with 2,922 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Physical Science Technicians Schools ranking analyzes these 72 schools to determine the best overall colleges for physical science technicians students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of physical science technicians programs later in this article.
Programs in Physical Science Technicians build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations physical science technicians graduates commonly enter.
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.
The skill set developed in a physical science technicians program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a physical science technicians major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several physical science technicians degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 744 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,133 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,044 |
People currently working in careers related to physical science technicians tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| 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% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in physical science technicians careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
A degree in physical science technicians can lead to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to physical science technicians.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to physical science technicians.
| 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% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of physical science technicians graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $54,327 |
| 4 years | $82,599 |
| 5 years | $92,712 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for physical science technicians graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers physical science technicians grads often go into.
| 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 |
With 72 different physical science technicians programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased physical science technicians school rankings to help you.
Students interested in physical science technicians, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Chemical Technology/Technician | 2,843 |
| Chemical Process Technology | 74 |
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other | 5 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Science Technologies/Technicians, Other | 2,518 |
| Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians | 1,212 |
| Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians | 338 |
| SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES/TECHNICIANS | 102 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
