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.
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Physical Science Technicians Degrees in the United States
#213Most Popular Major
2.8kDegrees Awarded
239Schools Offering Degrees
In 2021-2022, physical science technicians was the 213th most popular major nationwide with 2,761 degrees awarded.
Our 2025 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.
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Physical Science Technicians Degree Requirements
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.
ADBLOCK #171
Getting Accepted Into a Physical Science Technicians Program
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.
Physical Science Technicians Degree Types
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%
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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.
Career Opportunities for Physical Science Tech Majors
AverageNumber of Jobs
$56.4kAverage Starting Salary
2% GrowthJob Outlook 2016-26
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.
Steady Demand Projected for Physical Science Tech Careers
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%
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How Much Money Do Physical Science Tech Grads Make?
Recently graduated physical science technicians students earned an average of $56,440 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $33,359 to as high as $94,986. As you might expect, salaries for physical science tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Highest Paid Physical Science Tech Careers
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
ADBLOCK #173
Getting Your Physical Science Technicians Degree
With over 146 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.
Top Ranking Lists for Physical Science Technicians
by our College Data Analytics Team
