Best colleges for Physical Science Technologies/Technicians
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top colleges for Physical Science Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings are Lee College ($94,986), Kilgore College ($68,335) and Ashland Community and Technical College ($61,539), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Lee College (Baytown, TX): $94,986, 170 graduates a year
- Kilgore College (Kilgore, TX): $68,335, 27 graduates a year
- Ashland Community and Technical College (Ashland, KY): $61,539, 38 graduates a year
- San Jacinto Community College (Pasadena, TX): $59,496, 316 graduates a year
- Weber State University (Ogden, UT): $51,384, 63 graduates a year
Compare 71 U.S. colleges offering Physical Science Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 28 states.
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $52,336 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 41.03 and the Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health occupation (BLS SOC).
About Physical Science Technologies/Technicians programs
The Physical Science Technologies/Technicians program focuses on the application of scientific principles and techniques in various fields, including chemical technology and process technology. This program is ideal for students interested in hands-on work that involves analyzing and testing materials, ensuring safety, and contributing to environmental protection efforts. Students in this program will gain a solid foundation in scientific methodologies and laboratory practices, preparing them for roles that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This program is suited for individuals who are detail-oriented and passionate about science and technology.
Learn more about Physical Science Technologies/Technicians →
Core coursework in the Physical Science Technologies/Technicians program includes subjects such as chemistry, biology, and environmental science. Students will develop essential skills in reading comprehension, active listening, and critical thinking, alongside practical knowledge in customer service and mathematics.
Top 15 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lee College Baytown, TX Public · Associate degree | $94,986 | 170 | 53% | — | $9,598 |
| 2 | Kilgore College Kilgore, TX Public · Associate degree | $68,335 | 27 | 39% | — | $17,208 |
| 3 | Ashland Community and Technical College Ashland, KY Public · Associate degree | $61,539 | 38 | 51% | — | $10,867 |
| 4 | San Jacinto Community College Pasadena, TX Public · Associate degree | $59,496 | 316 | 30% | — | $10,000 |
| 5 | Weber State University Ogden, UT Public · Associate degree | $51,384 | 63 | 46% | — | $22,442 |
| 6 | Lamar State College - Orange Orange, TX Public · Associate degree | $49,932 | 129 | 37% | — | $12,000 |
| 7 | College of the Mainland Texas City, TX Public · Associate degree | $49,694 | 63 | 31% | — | $10,500 |
| 8 | Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL Public · Certificate | $47,820 | 76 | 37% | — | $15,750 |
| 9 | Texas State Technical College Waco, TX Public · Associate degree | $42,769 | 28 | 46% | — | $11,959 |
| 10 | Lamar Institute of Technology Beaumont, TX Public · Associate degree | $42,539 | 154 | 31% | — | $15,500 |
| 11 | Houston City College Houston, TX Public · Associate degree | $60,612 | 37 | 17% | — | $21,740 |
| 12 | Del Mar College Corpus Christi, TX Public · Associate degree | $56,948 | 176 | 11% | — | $7,000 |
| 13 | Lone Star College System The Woodlands, TX Public · Associate degree | $53,976 | 67 | 21% | — | — |
| 14 | Alvin Community College Alvin, TX Public · Certificate | $52,336 | 95 | 24% | — | $7,762 |
| 15 | Wharton County Junior College Wharton, TX Public · Associate degree | $45,277 | 72 | 27% | — | $16,625 |
Specializations within Physical Science Technologies/Technicians
3 of the 3 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 41.03 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 28 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 3 | $61,539 | Ashland Community and Technical College |
| Texas | 16 | $53,976 | Lee College |
| Utahlimited | 1 | $51,384 | Weber State University |
| Florida | 8 | $47,820 | Florida State College at Jacksonville |
| Alabamalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arkansaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| California | 7 | — | — |
| Delawarelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Georgialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Illinoislimited | 2 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Kansaslimited | 2 | — | — |
| Louisianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Michigan | 3 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Mexicolimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Yorklimited | 2 | — | — |
| North Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohiolimited | 2 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Rhode Islandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 2 | — | — |
| Washingtonlimited | 2 | — | — |
| West Virginia | 3 | — | — |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Puerto Ricolimited | 2 | — | — |
| U.S. Virgin Islandslimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4042, Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Physical Science Technologies/Technicians program can pursue various careers in environmental testing, quality control, and laboratory analysis. The job outlook for this field is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 4% and approximately 5,600 annual openings. The median wage for positions in this area is $49,490, typically requiring an associate's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Physical Science Technologies/Technicians
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 41.03.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 41.03 (Physical Science Technologies/Technicians) maps to 7 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 19-4031 | Chemical Technicians |
| 19-4042 | Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Healthprimary |
| 19-4043 | Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians |
| 19-4044 | Hydrologic Technicians |
| 19-4099 | Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other |
| 51-8091 | Chemical Plant and System Operators |
| 51-9011 | Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Physical Science Technologies/Technicians programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
- Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
- Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
- Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
Common questions
What is the primary focus of the Physical Science Technologies/Technicians program?+
The program focuses on applying scientific principles and techniques in areas such as chemical technology and environmental testing.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, and scientific analysis, along with knowledge in chemistry and biology.
What are the career prospects after completing this program?+
Graduates can expect a job outlook that is about as fast as average, with a median wage of $49,490.
What level of education is typically required for this field?+
An associate's degree is usually required for careers in Physical Science Technologies/Technicians.
How much do Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?+
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $52,336, College Scorecard (2019); the Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health occupation pays about $60,800 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Physical Science Technologies/Technicians?+
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians maps to CIP 41.03 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card