Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Debt to Income Ratio
Why Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 24.1%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $53818 and average student debt of $12979, the financial outlook for Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
If you’re thinking about Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other., you’re looking at a field that’s both challenging and rewarding. Typical starting salaries are around $53818, with grads carrying about $12979 in student loans and a debt-to-income ratio of 0.24—which is excellent for paying off loans quickly.
Each year, over 2688 students complete this major, so you’ll have plenty of peers to connect with. Whether you’re motivated by salary, job outlook, or the chance to build something meaningful, Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other. can help you get there. Make the most of your college years by seeking out hands-on experiences and building your network.
Degree Overview
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other (CIP 41.0399) is an applied STEM field centered on hands-on technical support of physical science operations across laboratories, industrial facilities, research environments, and field settings. This classification includes flexible or specialized technician programs that do not fall under a single traditional category such as chemistry technology, physics technology, or materials testing. Instead, it prepares students to work wherever physical science principles must be measured, tested, monitored, or applied reliably in real-world conditions.
For a degree search site, Physical Science Technologies/Technicians represents practicality, versatility, and workforce alignment. These professionals form the operational backbone of science-driven industries—ensuring experiments run correctly, equipment is calibrated, data is accurate, and safety standards are met. As industries become more data-driven and technologically complex, the demand for skilled physical science technicians continues to grow. This degree appeals to students who want a direct, job-focused pathway into STEM without the heavy theory load of research-intensive science degrees.
What Is a Physical Science Technologies/Technicians Degree?
A Physical Science Technologies/Technicians degree is an applied program designed to train students in laboratory procedures, instrumentation, testing methods, and technical operations related to the physical sciences. Programs under the “Other” designation often support interdisciplinary or institution-specific training that blends elements of physics, chemistry, materials science, environmental science, and industrial technology.
This degree typically emphasizes:
- Operation and maintenance of scientific instruments
- Laboratory and field testing procedures
- Data collection, verification, and reporting
- Quality control and assurance processes
- Safety, compliance, and technical documentation
Colleges and technical institutes offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for entry-level and mid-level technical science roles
- Support applied research and industrial operations
- Provide faster entry into STEM employment
- Serve as a foundation for specialization or advancement
Programs are commonly offered at the associate or applied bachelor’s level and include significant lab-based training.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how physical science work is carried out in real laboratory and industrial environments. You’ll gain practical experience running tests, operating instruments, recording measurements, and supporting experiments or production processes. The focus is on accuracy, repeatability, and adherence to established protocols.
Rather than developing new theories, technicians ensure that scientific and industrial processes work correctly every day.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Laboratory and testing techniques—sampling, measurement, and analysis
- Instrumentation and equipment operation—calibration and maintenance
- Data collection and validation—ensuring accuracy and reliability
- Quality control procedures—detecting errors and inconsistencies
- Safety and regulatory compliance—following lab and industry standards
- Technical troubleshooting—resolving equipment or process issues
- Documentation and reporting—maintaining logs and technical records
- Team collaboration—supporting scientists, engineers, and supervisors
These skills are critical in environments where precision and consistency matter.
Topics You May Explore
Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies by institution but commonly includes:
- Applied Physics or Chemistry: practical physical science foundations
- Measurement and Instrumentation: sensors, meters, and analytical tools
- Materials Testing and Analysis: strength, durability, and composition
- Environmental or Field Testing: sampling and monitoring methods
- Laboratory Safety and Procedures: chemical and physical safety
- Quality Assurance and Control: standards and inspection methods
- Technical Mathematics: math for measurements and calculations
- Data Recording and Technical Reporting: documentation practices
- Internship or Practicum: supervised real-world experience
Programs emphasize applied learning and repetition to build confidence and competence.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Physical Science Technologies/Technicians degree prepares students for immediate employment in technical support roles across many science-driven industries. Career growth often comes with experience, certifications, or specialization.
Common career paths include:
- Physical Science Technician: supporting lab or field operations
- Laboratory or Testing Technician: conducting routine analyses
- Quality Control or Inspection Technician: ensuring standards compliance
- Materials or Manufacturing Technician: supporting production systems
- Environmental or Field Technician: collecting physical data
- Research Support Technician: assisting applied research teams
- Instrumentation or Calibration Technician: maintaining equipment
- Advancement or Transfer Path: specialization in a focused science area
This degree is ideal for students who want stable, technical STEM roles.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in applied science environments such as:
- Research laboratories and universities
- Manufacturing and industrial facilities
- Environmental testing and consulting firms
- Energy, utilities, and infrastructure companies
- Materials, chemical, and technology firms
- Government agencies and public laboratories
- Engineering and inspection services
Technicians are essential to maintaining operational reliability in these settings.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by industry, location, and level of responsibility.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level physical science technicians: often $40,000–$55,000
- Experienced or specialized technicians: commonly $55,000–$75,000
- Senior or supervisory technical roles: can reach $80,000–$95,000+
Certifications, experience, and industry sector significantly influence pay.
Is This Degree Hard?
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other is considered moderately challenging. The math and theory requirements are generally lower than pure science degrees, but the work demands precision, responsibility, and attention to detail. Students must be comfortable following procedures and working with technical equipment.
The challenge lies in consistency, accuracy, and meeting professional standards every day.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Prefer hands-on technical work
- Enjoy laboratory or field environments
- Want a practical, job-focused STEM degree
- Like structured procedures and problem-solving
- Are interested in science without heavy theory
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a physical science technician program:
- Take physics, chemistry, and math courses
- Practice accurate measurement and lab procedures
- Develop strong organization and documentation skills
- Explore career and technical education (CTE) programs if available
- Participate in science labs, clubs, or internships
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other (CIP 41.0399) is an excellent choice for students who want to work at the operational heart of science and industry. It offers practical technical skills, strong employability, and flexibility across multiple science-driven sectors—making it a reliable and efficient pathway into applied STEM careers.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor