by our College Data Analytics TeamScientific experiments require extremely controlled conditions. However, sometimes the project is too large for the scientist to complete alone. By choosing a major in the field of Science Technology, you will learn the Required Skills to aid research scientists and ensure experiments are successfully conducted.
Science Technician majors learn how to use all the necessary tools and technology used in performing research along with the skills to set up and run experiments without error. Students take classes in biology, chemistry, microbiology, statistics, physics, and technical writing to prepare for a career in the lab.
Since there are specific scientific disciplines, technicians must learn the appropriate skills to perform necessary tasks and have the technical skills to aid research specific to each area of specialization. Those interested in biology can major in Biology and Biotech Lab Technology, while students interested in working with nuclear energy can major in Nuclear and Radiological Technology; another option is a major in Physical Science Technology. All of these majors are usually offered as Associate's degrees; however, students also have the option of pursuing a Bachelor's at select colleges.
Science Technologies / Technicians was the 37th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 6,451 degrees in this year alone. This represents a 14.5% reduction in science tech degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 7,387.
Our 2023 Best Science Technologies / Technicians Schools ranking analyzes 22 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for science technologies / technicians students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of science tech programs later in this article.
As a science technician, you must be extremely observant and pay close attention to detail. Since you will be responsible for properly executing experiments along with writing down data, it is imperative to ensure everything is accurate and the experiment is kept controlled. Critical thinking and analytical skills are important when analyzing data, while strong communication skills will help you explain your findings.
Experience the field will greatly help your job search after graduation. Look into internships or part time work in a lab or completing research.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Specific science tech careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are many different science tech degree levels. Science Technologies / Technicians programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest science tech degree you can get. The time it takes to complete a science tech degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to science tech, with approximately 32.0% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for science tech workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 31.3% |
| High School Diploma | 25.4% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 18.7% |
| Some College Courses | 10.0% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 7.0% |
57.9% of science tech workers have at least a associate. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in science technologies / technicians careers have.
This of course varies depending on which science tech career you choose.
Science Technician majors typically find jobs in a variety of research labs. These labs can include research and development, pharmaceutical research, collegiate research, energy research, or biological research for a variety of companies. A degree in this field will prepare you to assist research scientists in any industry.
The field is growing at an average pace, meaning graduates will face some competition for jobs after graduation. Those with previous experience will have better job opportunities.
Want a job when you graduate with your science tech degree? Science Technologies / Technicians careers are expected to grow 3.5% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to science technologies / technicians.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | 90,400 | 10.1% |
| Science Technicians | 83,500 | 9.7% |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | 70,400 | -5.0% |
| Chemical Technicians | 70,000 | 4.0% |
| Industrial Engineering Technicians | 64,300 | 0.6% |
Recently graduated science technologies / technicians students earned an average of $49,581 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $14,505 to as high as $79,568. As you might expect, salaries for science tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for science technologies / technicians graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers science tech grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operators | $95,310 |
| Nuclear Technicians | $79,970 |
| Chemical Plant and System Operators | $61,570 |
| Industrial Engineering Technicians | $58,860 |
| Science Technicians | $52,940 |
With over 458 different science tech degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased science tech school rankings to help you with this.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Physical Science Technicians | 2,909 |
| Other Science Technologies/Technicians | 2,451 |
| Biology & Biotech Lab Technician | 732 |
| Nuclear & Radiological Technicians | 299 |
| General Science Technologies/Technicians | 60 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer & Information Sciences | 254,454 |
| Engineering | 198,468 |
| Biological & Biomedical Sciences | 177,778 |
| Engineering Technologies | 85,188 |
| Mathematics & Statistics | 52,396 |
