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.
In 2020-2021, physical science technicians was the 213th most popular major nationwide with 2,909 degrees awarded. This represents a 10.9% reduction in physical science tech degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 3,227.
Our 2023 Best Physical Science Technicians Schools ranking analyzes 14 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for physical science technicians students. Explore this or one of our many other custom physical science tech rankings further below.
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.
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. In addition to these basic physical science technicians program qualifications, to serve in some physical science tech careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are many different physical science tech degree levels. You can get anything from a in physical science technicians to the highest physical science tech degree, a . How long it takes to complete some common physical science tech degree levels is shown below.
| 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 physical science tech, with approximately 37.2% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to physical science tech tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 37.8% |
| High School Diploma | 23.3% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 17.0% |
| Some College Courses | 11.5% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 3.1% |
About 60.3% of workers in careers related to physical science tech obtain at least associate degrees. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in physical science technicians have received.
The education level required is different depending on the physical science tech career you are seeking.
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.
Want a job when you graduate with your physical science tech degree? Physical Science Technicians careers are expected to grow 2.3% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to physical science technicians.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| Environmental Science, Protection, and Health Technicians | 38,800 | 12.1% |
Recently graduated physical science technicians students earned an average of $53,818 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $36,299 to as high as $72,395. As you might expect, salaries for physical science tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for physical science technicians graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers physical science tech grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Chemical Plant and System Operators | $61,570 |
| Industrial Engineering Technicians | $58,860 |
| Science Technicians | $52,940 |
| Chemical Technicians | $51,670 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $51,070 |
With over 148 different physical 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 physical science tech school rankings to help you with this.
One of 4 majors within the Science Technologies / Technicians area of study, Physical Science Technicians has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Chemical Technology/Technician | 2,803 |
| Chemical Process Technology | 100 |
| Other Physical Science Technologies/Technicians | 6 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Other Science Technologies/Technicians | 2,451 |
| Biology & Biotech Lab Technician | 732 |
| Nuclear & Radiological Technicians | 299 |
| General Science Technologies/Technicians | 60 |
